WAIRARAPA RAIL TRAFFIC

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 68, 13 December 1939, Page 11

WAIRARAPA RAIL TRAFFIC

Suspended Between Cross Creek And Upper Hutt t

TRACK IMPASSABLE NEAR MANGAROA Apart from work 'trains, no services were operated between Cross Creek and Upper Hutt on the Wairarapa Hue yesterday, and it was stated last night that no indication could be given as to when the line would again be open for traffic. A series of slips and washouts on the Wellington side of the Rimutakas occurred during the height of the rain storm on Monday and caused serious damage'to the permanent way. The major blockage is north of Mangaroa, .where the approach to a bridge was completely washed away by flood waters. At this point the track is impassable, and since Monday all available men have been engaged in the task of repairing the line. Men were also working yesterday on a washout'between Kaitoke and Summit, where further damage occurred.

The Wairarapa express from Woodville, which normally reaches Wellington at 5.45 p.m., did not travel beyond Cross Creek- Passenger and freight traffic between Wellington and the Wairarapa was diverted to the Manawatu line, and many people who intended leaving Wellington on Monday, when the Wairarapa services were cancelled, left at 8.30 a.m. yesterday for Palmerston North, where a connexion with the train from Woodville to Cross Creek was arranged.

The Railways Department advised last night that no further trouble had occurred on Hutt Valley lines, and that normal services were operated between Wellington and Upper Hutt yesterday.