FLOOD DAMAGE AT TAIHAPE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1920, Page 3

FLOOD DAMAGE AT TAIHAPE

MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY BLOCKED

(Per Press Association.)

TAIHAPE, October 1

There was an exceptionally heavy fall' of rain throughout the Taihape district last night causing the highest floods in the memory of the old settlers. Several slips occurred on the main trunk, south of Taihape between Utiku and Magegaweka and two washouts between Mangeweka and Hunterville, also a big land slide on the railway between Taihape and Mataroa. The express from Auckland was held at Hihitahi, and the night express from Auckland cached Taihape, but cannot proceed "further till the slips are removed and the line replaced'. A goods trains from the south got through, but the axle boxes of the guard’s van wer stripped off bystriking debris. 'Hie worst obstruction is between Taihape and Mataroa, as the slip completely covered the line and damaged the rails. All railway services are suspended. It is understood the express which left Wellington on Thursdary at midday (got safely through.

•Taihape borough electric power is seriously damaged by washed out tree falling from a bank down fifty feet and smashing a part of the electric cables. The damage cannot he repaired till late in the day rendering the publication of the local newspaper impossible. Rivers and watercourses are overflowing in every direction.

TRAINS HELD UP. AUCKLAND, Oct. 1. In consequence of slips on the main Trunk, the mid-day express from Auckland was Wellington mail train due at six this morning, will not arrive till to-morrow.