HEAVY SNOW IN ALPS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27097, 21 July 1953, Page 8

HEAVY SNOW IN ALPS

BREAKS IN POWER SUPPLY

TELEPHONE SERVICE INTERRUPTED

(From Our Own Reporter)

GREYMOUTH, July 20.

Heavy snowfalls in the alpine regions during the week-end caused interruptions to the communications and power links between Canterbury and the West Coast this morning. Direct telephone service between the provinces was lost soon after 9 a.m., and automatic cutouts in the 66,000-volt line from Lake Coleridge caused two breaks in power supply between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. In spite of the specially spaced wiring on the line, the lines touched when they were relieved of the weight of snow. No lines came down, but the two short circuits caused a stoppage of the supply for about half an hour. Direct telegraphic communication with Christchurch was lost and the link was maintained through Blenheim. This was the first major interruption of the winter. There was only slight delay to toll calls today, and normal contacts were resumed later in the day. The Otira Gorge road is still officially closed to traffic. A slip at Candy’s Bend and heavy snowfalls have occurred on the road, but roadmen have been clearing the route. Only light snow fell in the Lewis Pass region and that route is open..