THE HAVOC MADE BY THE FLOOD WATERS.

Grey River Argus, 11 May 1923, Page 5

THE HAVOC MADE BY THE FLOOD WATERS.

RAIL COMMUNICATION WITH ARTHUR’S PASS.

-MAY BE RESTORED IN A FORTNIGHT’S TIME.

(Per Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, May 10. ‘Railway communication with Arthur’s Pass may be restored in a fortnight’s time,” stated Mr A. J. MeCredie, District Railway Engineer. “A good deal, depends upon the weather. If the rain stops it may be possible to do the work somewhat earlier, while if it continues, communication may not be restored for a longer period.” “What do you think of the position beyond the big break at Otarama?” ho was asked. “It is worse than I expected,” Mr McCredie replied. “At No 8 Tunnel it is just possible for a man to squeeze through the opening in the obstruction which blocks the mouth of the tunnel.” In reply to a further question, Mr McCredie stated that ho hoped to have the washout between tunnels 9 and 7-9 repaired in a week’s time. The Ibreak was quite as long as that at flAotarama (132 feet but the gulf bewas only half as deep—somewhat over 30 feet, and a deviation would not be necessary here. In regard to the deviation at Otarama, Mr McCredie stated that the new line would be taken 35 feet inside the edge of the gulf formed by the big slide. This would mean that the new line would be about 70 feet from the old line, which hangs suspended across the gulf. To construct the deviation it would bo necessary to make a cutting ten feet deep through the side of the hills. Questioned as to the possibility of road communication with Arthur’s Pass, Mr McCredie stated that in his opinion it was absolutely impossible. The quickest way of getting to the West Coast from Christchurch was by way of Wellington and Greymouth. The s.s. Orepuki left Wellington at 6 p.m. yesterday for Greymouth with 48 bags and 45 hampers of mails. Mails should reach Greymouth late on Friday evening.

undated and presenting a sorry sightThe water here is receding very slowly and it is believed that it will be several days before the area is clear. There is plenty of evidence that Islington sneered severely, most of the houses being invaded to a depth of two feet, while in some cases the water was even deep er. In the Grovetown district the waters have receded a good deal, but a large area, extending from Mr F. Jones’s house to the river is still inundated. It was in this area that the body of'Mr Robinson was found. At Lower Wairau, Mr Saunders and family had a most trying experience. In their house, which is near tire bank of the Wairau River, the water rose to an immense height, and they had to take refuge on the roof, being compelled finally to cut the roof open with an axe. The house is a fairly old one, and the great pressure of the water made it literally rock. But for the fact that a big macrocarpa hedge broke the current to a certain extent, Mr Saunders declared the place would have been carried out to sea. The family was rescued yesterday after being without food for some time. Mrs Saunders and a four months old baby felt the strain of the experience greatly.