STORM IN THE NORTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3111, 29 October 1913, Page 30

STORM IN THE NORTH.

SLIPS OX THE MAIN TRUNK LINE. TRAFFIC DELAYED. Telegraphic advices from the north state that heavy rain fell on the 23rd, from Wellington northwards, flooding creeks and swainping low-lying country. The rainfall continued for 26 hours, but, except to th© railways and roads, no serious damage has been done. On the Main Trunk line innumerable slips occurred over a distance of 30 milts, and other lines suffered also, so that traffic was delayed or suspended. Some of the trains had narrow escapes. As a north-bound train was proceeding between Halcombo and Greatford two large slips came down. The debris from the second slip struck the cars; but, beyond some slight damage to a steam pipe, no damage was done. The passengers from Auckland were unable to proceed south of Taihapo, and north-bound passengers were detained at Marten. Many had to remain in the carriages all night. As a special train consisting of an engine, two cars, and a van accident occurred. As a special train consisting of an engine, two cars, and a van were about to enter the tunnel south of Mangaweka a tremendous slip came down, striking the front of the engine and derailing it. The great 80-ton engine tore up the rails for some distance, and then crashed against the side of the tunnel. The engine staff and passengers had an exciting time and a miraculous escape from serious injury. All the passengers were thrown in a heap. Guard Jameson was thrown through a window of the van, but escaped unhurt. The engine was badly damaged. On the Wanganui line a slip occurred between Fordefl and Wanganui, and on the Hawke’s Bay section the late train from Napier bringing visitors from the Hastings show was held up temporarily by a slip at Mataman. The ferry punt at Ahuahu, Wanganui, valued at £2OO, was swept down tho river, and carried out to sea. A settler at Aorangi, in trying to rescue some stray sheep, was cut off,' and had to remain out all Thursday night. He suffered much from exposure. Reports from many of the country districts show that the settlers have experienced losses both in stock and crops. It was reported that Mr J. E. Walker’s mill at Makowhai is completely submerged, and that £IOO worth of timber has been swept away by the flood waters. A number of Auckland’s snoi-tsrncn on their way to Wellington walked to a point where it was possible to take motor cars, and motored through to Wellington. A number of the roads on the upper part of tho Rangitikei County arc almost impassable, owing to tho number of slips and a big washout on one road. The mam road beyond Mangaweka is blocked, and damage to several bridges is reported.