EXTENSIVE SLIP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 309, 25 November 1930, Page 2

EXTENSIVE SLIP.

DELAY TO EXPRESS.

PASSENGERS’ WEARY WAIT.

The extensive slip on the railway line between Mataroa and Ngaurukehu yesterday morning held the AucklandWellington express up for six hours, ‘and the passengers had a weary wait while a gang of 40 men worked feverishly to clear the' line. It was at first thought that it would be possible to have the line sufficiently cleared to enable the train to get through before 10 a.m., but a further slip resulted in a delay of another hour. Arrangements had been mado to despatch a relief train from Palmerston North to transfer the passengers, and a train had actually started before it was realised that little time would be saved. Accordingly the train was recalled to Palmerston North. The express was not crowded. Passengers for Palmerston North, where the train arrived at three o’clock yesterday afternoon, complained at the long delay, but stated that the Railway Department had done all possible in the circumstances. Immediately the train arrived at Palmerston North passengers for Hawke’s Bay were despatched in a special train with one carnage. In ordinary circumstances the expense of sending a special with so few passengers would be considered too heavy, and the passengers would be sent on by car, but it was necessary to take an engine to Napier and the arrangement was suitable. The express arrived in Wellington at 5.59 p.m.