MAIN TRUNK SLIP

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 230, 27 August 1935, Page 8

MAIN TRUNK SLIP

D II!LAVI I !LAV TO EXPRESSES. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Aug. 27. Owing to tlie exceptional weather conditions, which have affected road routes in various parts of the North Island, about 700 yards of spoil came down last night on the Main Trunk railway line about 12 miles north of Taumarunui. Three of the lour expresses were held up, and it was decided to transfer the passengers. The only express to get through was the 3 p.m. train from Auckland yesterday, which arrived here on time. A report irom the Railway Department states that the Limited express left Ohakune 8 hours and 10 minutes late, and it is expected here at 5.30 this evening. The Limited express from Wellington is expected to arrive at Auckland about G hours late. . The line is expected to be clear this afternoon.

GANGERS’ CLOSE CALL

HILLSIDE ON THE MOVE.

Per Press Association. TAUMARUNUI, Aug. 27. A slip of pumice on the Main Trunk line 2J- miles south of Ongarue held up railway traffic last night. Slips were occurring all day yesterday, and gangers were at work clearing the line. About 1 o’clock this morning the whole hillside seemed to slip away, and two gangers, Messrs Gascoyne and Williams, were partly buried and had to be dug out. . . , ... Mr Gascoyne was slightly injured m the legs and suffered shock. He was sent to the Taumnrunui Hospital tor treatment. Mr Williams was uninjured. The debris covered the line for a drain in length and ten feet high. Passengers in the night expresses from Auckland and Wellington were transferred at the slip. The pumice, being dry, made good walking, and all were transferred with as little inconvenience as possible. A breakdown train was sent from Taumarunui to deal with the slip. The line is not yet clear for traffic.