WORST EVER SEEN

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 109, 9 May 1923, Page 16

WORST EVER SEEN

LANDSLIDES ON THE MIDLAND

RAILWAY,

(»T TBLBQRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Bth May.

The heavy rains have caused grave interruptions on the Midland railway line, and it is impossible to state when communication with Arthur's Pass will be restored. A large wash-out near Otarama, six miles beyond Springfield, is possibly the worst that has occurred in the South Island, and deviation of the line is essential. Survey work in connection with the deviation was commenced to-day.

The scene at Otarama is hard to describe in words. One hundred and thirty-two feet of railway line and sleepers hang suspended over a chasm sixty feet in depth, and another slide of 100 feet has carried the hundreds of tone of earth from the big slid* into the Waimakariri River. The whole face of a cliff has fallen in, and from time to time further slides occur. Mr. A. _J. M'Credie, district engineer, describes the slide as the worst he has ever seen.

Other; serious interruptions include the blocking of one of the tunnels and a further big wash-out between two tunnels. A week at least will be required for even temporary repairs to the line.