HEAVY SNOW MAKES KAIKOURA – CH’CH ROAD HARD GOING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18186, 20 June 1927, Page 3

HEAVY SNOW MAKES KAIKOURA - CH’CH ROAD HARD GOING.

SERVICE CAR GETS THROUGH UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS. Previous to leaving Kaikoura for Christchurch last Saturday morning, I asked the Telephone Department as to weather conditions, and was informed that Hanrner was under snow to the extent of ten inches, Waiau six inches, and Cheviot four inches. This report did not appeal to me as a favourable one to tackle the run to Christchurch. However, considering there might be a margin of exaggeration, I left Kaikoura bv service car at 9 a.m. A sou’west gale was raging, accompanied by j rain, sleet and snow. At Daro snow I was met to a depth of approximately half an inch, and this depth continued to increase as we progressed. The condition of the road became trying to the driver, who was compelled to make his own trail on the hillside, slowing down at each corner to keep the car on the road. Moving over Daro Ilills, and on to Hundale and down to the Conway River, with a tricky road and snow falling thickly, we reached Hawkswood station cutting. The snow had now reached a depth of approximately nine inches. After passing the Woolshed, trouble commenced. Snow was lying thick enough to stop further progress and to compel the car to interest itself with boundary fences. Persuasion was useless in endeavouring to keep the car straight on the road. Men from the homestead were early on the scene with shovels and 'ropes. The heavy branches of trees in this avenue were touching the road, owing to the weight of snow. The men went forward and shook the branches until the snow was removed and the branches rose above the top of the car. After several attempts, the car moved along in the correct direction for approximately 100 yards, and then decided once more to give an exhibition of side-stepping. These exhibitions occupied about two hours, but, about a mile from the homestead gates, the final movement was decided. Four “up” service cars were met. and the whole outfit of drivers decided to place each car correctly on its journey. After a while, as a result of their efforts, the road was clear for our car, and the tracks left by the “up” cars provided a track, which inade transport easy.