Slips Near Kakatahi Block Wanganui-Raetihi Highway

Wanganui Chronicle, 13 November 1950, Page 4

Slips Near Kakatahi Block WanganuiRaetihi Highway

Following exceptionally heavy rain, described as being in the nature of a cloud burst, the Wanganui-Raetihi Highway was blocked north of Kakatahi last night. Though the extent of the damage to the road could not be confirmed, it is understood that several slips and a washout occurred. There was no rain in Wanganui yesterday and none at Kakatahi, 40 miles from the city, but six miles on the Raetihi side of Kakatahi, and for a distance of about six miles up the Parapara Road, there was a downpour at about 3 p.m. Motorists travelling to Raetihi later in the afternoon, returned to Kakatahi and reported that the road was impassable, several slips having occurred. As they were unable to continue to Raetihi, some cars turned off at the junction and endeavoured to taKe the alternntivi. toute to Taihape, but found that Fields Track was closed near Collier’s Bridge. These motorists returned to Wanganui and went north via Marton and Taihape. Toward the end of the last week there was slips north of Hunter, ville on the highway between Marton and Taihape, but the Automobile Association (Wanganui) reported last night that the road was open again to all traffic.

It was presumed last night that the heavy rain experienced north of Kakatahi would also affect the Wangan-ii River Road to Pipiriki. The Automobile Association suggested that only fully experienced drivers should attempt this road at present. The association had no information last night, however, as to how long the Wanganui-Raetihi Highway would be blocked above Kakatahi.