DIVERTED

Northern Advocate, 2 July 1935, Page 8

DIVERTED

main trunk -EXPRESSES LARGE SLIP THREATENED. PROMPT ACTION TAKEN 1 ISpecial to “Northern Advocate/! I AUCKLAND, This Dajy. . The danger of a large slip blocking the mouth of a tunnel on the Mam Trunk railway between Utiku and about six miles south of Taihape resulted in a decision by the Railway Department last evening to divert express trains between Auckland and Wellington via Taranaki. The decision followed an inspection of the locality by the District Engineer at Ohakune, who reported at about 6.30 that, in his opinion-, it was not safe to run any trains through the tunnel until further notice. As a result of being diverted, four express trains, two from Auckland to Wellington, and two north-bound are likely to reach their destinations at least three hours late today. Expresses from Wellington were expected to arrive in Auckland at approximately 10,20 a.m. and 1 p.m. today, instead of 7.6 a.pi. and 9.40 a.m. The detour by way of Taranaki involves an additional 67 miles running, making the total distance between Auckland' and Wellington 493 miles instead of 426. As soon as the engineer’s report was available arrangements were made to divert the south-bound Limited express, which left Auckland at 7 o’clock, at Okahukura and to send it over the section via Stratford to rejoin the Main Trunk line at Marton, out of the danger zone. Provision was made for passengers for stations between Okahukura and Marton to change at Okahukura, a special service having been arranged from there to Taihape. Definitely Blocked. A later message states that the tunnel is blocked by a landslide. The slip occurred late yesterday afternoon, and in consequence railway traffic has had to be diverted via Taranaki and both North and South Expresses have been delayed. The Railway Department stated at mid-day that the full extent of the slips or the extent of the damage to the tunnel would not be known till late today ,or perhaps tomorrow. Mr G. T. Bettenshaw, chief engineer left Wellington by the limited express last night for Marton, and proceeded to the tunnel to make a detailed Inspection. It has been ascertained, however, that the damage is of a serious nature, and although no official information was forthcoming today, there is a possibility that some extensive reconstruction work will have to be undertaken.