MAIN TRUNK SLIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22269, 18 November 1935, Page 10

MAIN TRUNK SLIP

LARGE FALL IN CUTTING CLEARING OF THE LINE LITTLE' DELAY CAUSED NORTH EXPRESS PASSES A large slip occurred on the Main Trunk railway yesterday afternoon between Mangaweka and Utiku, about 10 miles south of Taihape, the line being completely covered for a distance of over 120 yards. Gangs of men were despatched to the scene soon afterward to clear the line, and this was accomplished almost in time for the limited express from Wellington to Auckland to pass through on time about midnight. The delay to the express was not more than about half an hour, and it is expected that the train will arrive in Auckland at the usua' time, 9.40 this morning. The southbound express will not be affected, as it is not due at Taihape until after four o'clock this morning. The slip occurred some time before five o'clock last evening, when it was reported to the Taihape station. It had fallen in a deep and narrow cutting, which made the work of removing the debris difficult. A work train was sent from Taihape, men being picked up en route to assist in clearing the line. The fact of it being a Sunday caused a little delay in assembling the men, but in a few hours the line was open to traffic. Apart from the expresses there are few trains on a Sunday night, and no great inconvenience was caused. No rain had fallen in the district for several days, but at the time the work train was despatched there was a steady fall, which to some extent hindered tho operations.