SLIPS ON RAILWAY

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1935, Page 8

SLIPS ON RAILWAY

DUKE’S TOUR NOT HINDERED. DELAYS ON STRATFORD LINE.

Minor slips on the Stratford-Okahu-kura railway line caused slight interference with train services yesterday. Fortunately both the New PlymouthAuckland express on Wednesday night and the three trains conveying and accompanying the Duke of Gloucester and his suite were uninterrupted, but the goods train leaving Taumarunui at 6 p.m. and scheduled to reach Stratford at 2.3 а. and the Stratford-Taumarunui goods train which leaves Stratford at 5.36 a.m. were delayed. Following Wednesday’s heavy rains slush began to run down on to the line on the far side of the Whangamomona tunnel. Before the arrival of the night express at 9.45 p.m. it was noticed, but there was no blockage, so that apart from having to keep a careful lookout the express was in no way hindered. Later, however, heavier slips came down between the end of the tunnel and the Whangamomona station, and some of the ballast was washed away from the track. When the night goods from Taumarunui arrived therefore, it was found necessary to go back to Whangamomona. Gangs were immediately set to work, and by the time the Duke’s train arrived at Whangamomona all was clear again. The three trains passed at 6.2, б. and 6.43 respectively without any hindrance. Soon after the Stratford-Taumarunui goods train left Whangamomona about 7.30 a.m. yesterday, a further slip was encountered between Whangamomona and Kohuratahi, so that the train had to return to Whangamomona. The slip, which was in rolling country where the line runs through many cuttings, was not serious, and was cleared early in the afternoon.