Hello Pete again. I have just searched and found a book I have Maitland on the Hunter,by Brian Walsh and Cameron Archer published by C B Alexander Foundation ISBN 0 7313 0538 8 (2000) from the book...."from 1819 - 1869 major floods occurred in 1820,1826,1827,1832,1857,1864,1867 and 1868" I also remember hearing that when Maitland was established originally on the river the local aborigines laughed....one can understand why! It has a chapter with pictures on floods. Evidently Maitland Mercury put out a 'Flood Suplement' Feb 26-27 1999 Cheers, Wendy in NZ