THE RAILWAYS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1675, 3 July 1879, Page 3

THE RAILWAYS.

Owing to the numerous landslips occasioned by the heavy rains, the Otago sections of railway have suffe'cd to a much greater extent than those in Canterbury, The main line, however, between Dunedin and Invercargill is perfectly clear, with the exception of four miles between Otakaio and Greytown, that portion of the line being a complete wreck, and it is estimated that a week will probably elapse before matters are put straight. Tho line which crosses tho Taieri plain is in a deplorable condition, as there is a vast sheet of water flowing right over it, owing to the lowlying nature of tho ground. A gang of men have been put on, and are working energetically to repair the damage. Traffic on the Outram branch lino is entirely suspended, and is likely to remain so for some days. The express train is still able to run from Invercargill to Clinton. There have been very heavy landslips between Dunedin and Palmerston, but trains are running between the latter place and Oamaru. The worst damage on the Canterbury section was at the Washdyke, near Temuka, where three mile?, forming one of the pieces, wore washed right out, and new ones will have to bo put in. The work has already been commenced, and will probably, be finished about Monday or Tuesday next. By this time tho line between Waimate Junction and Palmerston is passable, and also that between Waimate, Ngapara branches, and Marewhenua. Tho northern approach to the bridge was very badly scoured, but is now repaired. The Albury branch is damaged in places, but will bo all right in a day or two. On the rorthern line all is right between Christchurch and Kaiapoi. The portion of the lino between Kaiapoi and Rangiora is damaged, but will be repaired by to-morrow. The Southbridga branch will also bo open again about tho same time ,os a large gang of men have been put on. The Hawking bridge has been injured, but will bo repaired very soon. Of course the stability of the permanent way has been to a certain extent impaired by the floods, and although now perfectly safe, reduced speed will, ior some little time, be adopted.