ROAD BLOCKED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23227, 22 December 1938, Page 10

ROAD BLOCKED

HILLSIDE GIVES WAY MANAWATU GORGE SLIP; UNFORTUNATE MOTORISTS. HOLIDAY TRAFFIC DELAYED [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] PALMERSTON NORTH, Wednesday Blocking tho highway for traffic, a large slip came down in the Martawatu Gorge this afternoon at the Palmerston North end. Trouble had been experienced at the point during the day and a number of men were in - attendance. Cars had been allowed to pass under supervision, but finally the hillside gave way and the road was covered with rocks and rubble. Round the toe of the slip must be fully three chains and tho road is piled with spoil to a height of 20ft. against tho rock face. From the top of this the break in tho hill extends another 50ft. to 60ft. upward. It is estimated that altogether there must be between 3000 and 4000 cubic yards of material covering the highway and banked against the side of the hill. Task of Removal Within a short time workmen employed by the Public Works Department were engaged in the task of clearing the road for traffic. Later a mechanical shovel from the railway deviation works at Milson proceeded to the scene to work throughout the night by the aid of floodlights. Hopes are entertained that by daylight a track will be made through the edge of the slip to enable cars to use the road, provided caution is exercised. Recent Earthquake and Rain One unusual feature of the slip i* that the matter of which it is composed is dry, whereas it is usually very wet, and the face of the hill is in a similar condition. However, it is thought possible that with the heavy earthquake which occurred a few days ago and the torrential downpour of rain on Tuesday morning, tho earth was loosened and fell because the solidhad been washed away from the larger material.

The slip was particularly unfortunate for motorists because of the heavytraffic through the gorge on account of the Christmas season. A number of people who had been visiting Palmerston North for the day and "others who were passing through were forced to travel by the Pahiatua hill road.