GAP ON RAILWAY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22374, 5 July 1947, Page 6

GAP ON RAILWAY

LINE TO MOTUHORA TEMPORARY CLOSURE SUBSIDENCE NEAR OTOKO Indications this morning were that the Gisborne-Motuhora branch railway line would be closed for some days, owing to a subsidence of the line a short distance north of Otoko. The subsidence, which took place yesterday, following heavy overnight rain, is more serious than was first thought by the railway engineers. A section of the line well known for its slipping qualities is involved in the subsidence which extends for a distance of some 70ft or 80ft. At present the line has dropped about 4ft. below the normal level, and the subsidence is continuing. It is thought by the railway engineers that it may be necessary to bridge the gap temporarily prior to the line being raised to to its former level. There is little doubt, however, that the subsidence will cause Otoko to become the terminus for trains on the branch line for several days. Flood waters yesterday covered about half a mile of line in the vicinity of Puha, but no damage was done. Water rose to a depth of about 2ft. in the Puha tunnel entrance, and was over 3ft. deep in a cutting adjacent to the tunnel. Yesterday morning's Gisborne-Motu-hora train reached Otoko, but could not proceed beyond that point, being marooned on one side by the subsidence and on the other by the flood waters. Goods were taken off the train at Otoko and will be transported by truck to Matawai and Motuhora. The train was brought to Puha this morning, and the engine with a lew trucks will return to Gisborne on Monday, when further transport arrangements for that line will be made.