Trains Held Up-Washouts And Slips

Northern Advocate, 27 July 1938, Page 8

Trains Held Up-Washouts And Slips

As a result of the torrential rain which fell yesterday afternoon and evening, the railway services on the North line were disorganised considerably as a result of slips. Although everything depended on the weather moderating, all efforts were being concentrated on getting both north and south-bound expresses through this morning. Flooding at Kaipara Flats supervened on the other difficulties to delay the North-bound express there this afternoon. The water reached a high level after noon but it was hoped that it would recede with the falling tide to enable the train to continue. However, at 3 p.m. the express was still at Kaipara Flats, with some prospect of reaching Whangarei about G p.m. The south-bound express left Whangarei on schedule but was held at Wellsford. Long- Stretch Affected. Slips, washouts and flooding occurred over about 25 miles of railway between Kaukapakapa and Wayby. Yesterday, the expresses in both directions got through without difficulty, the south-bound train from Whangarei being the last passenger train to traverse the line before the blockages. As no traffic could cover the track between Helensville and Maungaturoto last night, the train due to arrive at Whangarei at 8.15 this morning left Auckland as usual, but ran only as far as Helensville. For local service, another section was run from Maungaturoto to Whangarei this morning. The 6 p.m. train from Whangarei last- night also ran to Maungaturoto only. The mixed train which left Auckland for Whangarei at 4.5 p.m., carrying six passengers, encountered a slip at Makerau at about 7 p.m., and returned to Kaukapakapa. It was intended to bring the train back to Helensville last night, so that the passengers could obtain accommodation, but this had'not been accomplished at a‘late hour, because of further slips just south of Kaukapakapa. Held Up at Wellsford. Three feet of water over the line stopped the 3.20 train from Whangarei vo Auckland at about 7 p.m., and it was necessary to return to Wellsford. where the four passengers were accommodated for the night. After the north-bound train returned from Makerau, flooding, slips and washouts occurred over this section, mainly on the three-mile stretch between Kaukapakapa and Kanohi. Three lengths of rail were washed out, a bridge was damaged, and the track was blocked at several points near Kanchi station. Near Tahekeroa about 120 yards of spoil came down, and both ends of the tunnel in the same vicinity were blocked by minor fall of earth. The line at Hoteo was flooded. Repairing the Track. Advice received by the Whangarei railway station from Maungaturoto stated that work trains were engaged at both ends in clearing the slip at Tahekeroa, and the blocked portals of the tunnel mouth. The'slip at its deepest portion is five feet high, but it was anticipated that this section of the line would bo clear at 12 noon, enabling the north-bound express to come through on time. The express left Auckland according to schedule at 8.40 this morning, and was thus expected through, although subject to delays from speed restrictions and other causes. As far as is known, the Kirikopuni branch line is intact. Services between Whangarei and northern centres arc running normally today, lines, as far as is known, not being affected.