BLOCKED ROAD

Southland Times, Issue 25361, 13 August 1935, Page 7

BLOCKED ROAD

MANAWATU GORGE POWER SHOVEL TO BE USED WORK OF CLEARANCE (Per United Press Association.) Palmerston North, August 12. Owing to the extensive nature of the slip blocking the Manawatu Gorge Road, arrangements have been made by the Public Works Department to expedite the work of clearance by using a power- shovel, but it will be Wednesday before the plant can be put into operation. It is considered that it will be a week before a track for traffic ’ can be made. During the week-end the slip was still creeping, but to-day it appeared to have settled. Provided the weather remains fine no further trouble is anticipated. The alternative route over the Pahiatua track requires heavy maintenance to keep it in order, but so long as it can be kept in its present condition transport lorries and service buses will be allowed to use it, though it is limited in capacity to four and a half tons. The Whirokino Highway, south of Foxton, is still blocked by flood water, but it is hoped to open it in two days time.