SERIOUS DAMAGE DONE BY A CLOUDBURST IN BULLER GORGE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18946, 17 December 1929, Page 9

SERIOUS DAMAGE DONE BY A CLOUDBURST IN BULLER GORGE.

Approaches to Bridge Washed Away And Houses Invaded By Water. m Per Press Association. WESTPORT, December 17. Following twelve hours’ heavy rain, a cloudburst occurred at Norris’s Mill, in the Buller Gorge, about six miles from Westport, late last night. The bridge over the Waimea Creek buckled, and the approaches to the bridge near the mill were badly scoured out. i It is also reported that houses at the mill were flooded, a water-pipe line also carried away, and a big slip came down on the other side of the mill.

Cars from Westport to connect with the Christchurch express were ttnable to get through, and the passengers were brought back to Westport. Cars are being brought down from Reefton, and, by means of transhipping, it is hoped to get the passengers through to Reefton, Greymouth and Nelson this afternoon. Workmen from the Tiroroa railway construction camp have been despatch

ed to the affected area to repair the damage. Very boisterous weather still prevails, torrential rain falling, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Arrangement* have been made to put a carriage on the night train from Greymouth to Christchurch, and Westport passenger* are being taken through to connect with this. Owing to the bad weather, there ha* been no work on the waterfront since 10 a.m. yesterday.