BAD WEATHER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 12 October 1926, Page 4

BAD WEATHER

HEAVY RAIN IN NORTH ISLAND SLIPS ON THE RAILWAYS SERVICES DISORGANISED (United Press Association.) MARTON, 11th Oct. Further information regarding tho slip on the railway near Grealford shows that the sensational rumours were unfonnded. A passenger on the train stated to a reporter that when climbing Westoe Hill about midnight a sudden application of the brakes was felt and when the train stopped it was found that the engine had ploughed its way througlVa small slip, and a second slip then descended, striking an empty carnage next to the engine and also the postal van immediately behind, derailing the rear wheels of the latter. Fortunately, the coupling arms, though twisted, stood the strain and no other damage was sustained, the track being only slightly interfered with. It is thought that the heavy sodden nature of the slip steadily pushing against the train caused a slight derailment. No passengers were hurt and beyond the discomfort of an all night sitting in the train all are well. If was found impossible to tranship the passengers. The Department rusheC a breakdown gang to the scene and succeeded in replacing the van early this morning. At one place the earth from the slip reached as high as the engine lights and the carriage windows. Even had the* ::lip been more severe the damage would not have been so great as if the train had been further up the hill, where there is a drop of upwards of 3ixty feet. The spot where the mishap occurred is at the bottom of the hill.

The line is now clear, although services are disorganised.

MANAWATU RIVERS IN FLOOD

PALMERSTON N., 11th Oct.

Heavy rain during the week-end caused the Manawatu and Oroua rivers and their tributaries to rise to flood level, with the result that a large area of the Manawatu basin was inundated. There is a fear that the flood will extend, as the Manawatu is still rising. Settlers have removed their stock to safety. Part of the borough was inundated by a small stream overflowing its banks. A number of houses were completely surrounded by water. The effect of the Mood, at a time when the district is just recovering from the July inundation, is serious in the. extreme. FOUR INCHES OF RAIN AT WTOODVILLE WOODVILLE, 11th Oct. Over four inches of rain has been recorded since Friday. The rivers are flooded, and the (Jorge road is blocked. The slips on the Napier railway line, were cleared this morning. The early trains were affected, but the express arrived on time, having been diverted through Wairaiapa. On account of the slip near Whakarongo, no trains from the Manawatu will arrive until late this afternoon. An emergency train, which left Woodville for U'hokapmgo at 2 p.m., will tranship passengers and mail. . The rivers are going down.

WHANG AREI DISTRICT

WHANG AREI, This Day. A good deal of rain has fallen in the district, but no damage is reported.