NIGHT TRAFFIC STOPPED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19698, 2 August 1938, Page 4

NIGHT TRAFFIC STOPPED

HIGHWAYS IN BAD STATE HILLS STILE SLIPPING MAILS ARRIVE LATE On account of the poor condition of the' highways, no traffic is recommended to make use of the main routes out of Gisbome at night, according to a statement made to-day hy the Public Works Department. The highways were open during the day, but they could not be guaranteed after the roadmen ceased work each afternoon. All roads were affected similarly and there were no exceptions for night traffic. The Auckland mail arrived in Gisborne late again this morning, being held up on account of a further slip on Otoko Hill. The first of the AucklandGisborne Transport Company's vehicles, carrying the mails, passed the slip at about 9.15 a.m. and arrived at Gisborne at about 11.15 a.m. The truck carrying the freight was not expected until late this afternoon. The summary of road conditions is as follows: Gisborne-Opotiki, via Waioeka Open each day; blocked at night; caution required at slip on Otoko Hill; road narrow. Gisborne-East Coast.—Open to-day; not recommended at night. Gisborne-Wairoa, via Morere.— Open. Gisborne-Wairoa, via Tiniroto.—Not recommended; Morere route suggested. Wairoa-Napier.—Open to experienced drivers: not recommended at night. BAY OF PLENTY ROADS DAMAGE BY TIDES & RAIN Exceptionally high tides and heavy seas have done considerable damage to the coast road at Torere, where a portion of the highway has been washed away. Traffic has been diverted through paddocks above the Torere bridge. A wash-out has occurred near Houpoto, while the Kereu River is impassable. The coast highway from Opotiki is in very bad order generally, as the result of rain which had fallen on 21 days last month. The country everywhere is completely waterlogged.