MAIN TRUNK BREAK

Evening Star, Issue 23352, 23 August 1939, Page 3

MAIN TRUNK BREAK

SERVICES FULLY RESTORED [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 22. The Main Trunk line, which was blocked by a large washout that occurred on Monday morning five miles south of Te Kuiti, is again open for traffic. After long delays the express trains for Auckland and Wellington were able to negotiate the washout early this afternoon, and reached their destinations many hours late. The through trains were despatched from Auckland and Wellington practically on time this afternoon and evening, and it was expected that they would arrive at the opposite terminals almost on schedule to-morrow morning. The afternoon express despatched from Wellington yesterday did not reach Auckland until 5.56 p.m. to-day, instead of 5 a.m. The limited express,, due at 9.30 a.m., did not arrive until 6.36 p.m. The passengers on the two expresses which left Auckland for Wellington last night were even later in reaching their destination. Owing to fairly numerous cancellations there were comparatively few passengers on the two expresses which arrived at Auckland to-night. Most of the travellers were very tired after spending so many hours -in the train, but they accepted the situation philosophically, and there were few complaints. Fortunately the weather in the King Country was mild and fine, and. with the carriages well heated, no discomfort was experienced in this respect. The traffic is now returning to normal between Te Kuiti and Taumarunui. Over the washout it is necessary to reduce speed as the rails sag slightly into the new filling, although not sufficientlv to give rise to any fears regarding safety. Work is still proceeding on the filling and on the temporary culvert replacing one that was blocked. Owing to the level of the water it is still impossible to get at the blocked culvert, which has almost certainly collapsed and will require replacement.