KOPUA HILL SLIP

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20634, 14 August 1941, Page 4

KOPUA HILL SLIP

TRAVELLERS HELD UP A number of motorists using the Morere route from Wairoa to Gisborne last night were held up on Kopua Hill by a slip which brought down about 500 cubic yds. of spoil, preventing the passage of wheeled traffic and necessitating the temporary abandonment of their cars by those who wished to continue their journey to Gisborne. One or two drivers who had petrol or gas-combinations for their cars were able to turn back and complete their journey by the inland route, which was not damaged. Others found quarters for the night with friends in Bartletts, or secured emergency transport from Gisborne. The slip developed in a cutting about one mile on the Gisborne side of Bartletts Camp, and first signs of trouble were noticed during the early part of the afternoon, when a small portion of the bank fell away. This did not block the road, but later a further fall occurred, and made the road impassable. Mechanical means to clear the slip were not available at short notice, but this morning a grader was put on the job, and endeavours were being made to secure the use of a bull-dozer. It was expected that the road would be cpen again early this afternoon. Other highways in the district were unaffected by the persistent rain, and traffic proceeded normally yesterday and to-day.