DISLOCATED TRAFFIC.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 47, 25 October 1913, Page 5

DISLOCATED TRAFFIC.

IN THE FLOOD DISTRICTS.

UNENVIABLE EXPERIENCES. [Per Press Association.] Marfan, October 25. On Friday afternoon a number of passengers booked through to Auckland by the Main Trunk left by the Wellington-^ew Plymouth express, and continued the journey to Auckland by steamer. A special train left at five o'clock with another contingent. There are still a largo number delayed here, booked for intermediate stations. They are being wedl looked after by the officials. At five this morning a train was despatched to Huuterville, the line being now clear on this section. The first train on the Main Trunk since the slips, arrived here at 9 a.m., the starting point being Hunterville. The guard's van showed signs of the rough trip.

The engine derailed at the Mangaweka tunnel was not capsized as previously reported. It has not been righted.

it is considered that it will be several days before through connection is restored.

A number of Auckland sportsmen on I their way to Wellington, walked to a point where it is possible to take motor cars, and motored through to Wellington early this morning. The Marfan yards are full of rolling stock side-tracked. No doubt the consignees of perishable goods will suffer to a large extent. A number of roads in the upper part of the Rangitikei County are almost impassiblue owing to the number of slips and there is a big washout on one road beyond Mangaweka. Damage to several bridges is reported. It is almost impossible to obtain authentic details of the locality of the slips on the railway. Tiie officials are hard worked but are carrying out their 'duties excellently. A SENSATIONAL ACCIDENT. Wellington, October 24. In connection with the floods, a | serious accident occurred. As a special train consisting of an engine, two cars and <v van was about to enter the tunnc!. south of Mangaweka, a tremendous slip came down and struck the front of the engine, derailing it. The great 80-ton engine tore up the rails for, some distance, and. crashed against the side of the tunnel. The engine ■ s;fcaff 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 the j window of the van, but escaped unhurt. The engine was badly damaged, and will be useless for immediate work. Something like 50 large and small slips will have to be cleared before the line is open for traffic.