FLOOD DAMAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1921, Page 1

FLOOD DAMAGE

SLIP ON OTJRA GORGE

COACHES HELD UP.

Heavy rain for the best part of a day resulted in a big slip on the Otira Gorge, about four miles tho other side..of Otira township yesterday. Shortly before 11 a.in., after information of the occurrcnce had reached the Railway Department officials here, a horseman went from Otira to ascertain whether the coaches could run through later in the day. About midday the investigator returned to Otira, with the information that the slip was too big to clear before Saturday. It was found that the creeks on the Gorge were flooded, preventing the extent of the damage being found out until they subside. These streams are Peg Log on this side, and .McGrath s Creek on the ot her side ol Arthur s Pass. Rain continued to iall at Otiia all yesterday afternoon, so that the creeks would still remain flooded last night. However, they should subside quickly when the rain stops, and the Railway Department hope to lie able to resume overland communication by tomorrow. A big mail from the othei side came yesterday to Arthur’s Pass. Until further investigation is made today, it is not known just how soon the slip can be removed. Four male passengers by the express from' Christchurch got through yesterday by way of the tunnel, and came on last night to (ireymouth by the Otira train, which arrived back at the usual time. The heavy rain that fell all day yesterday brought down a big flood in the river, while reports to hand state the various other rivers to the south and north were in flood. Reyond the slip at Otira Gorge and consequent hold-up of overland traffic, no serious damage reports have come to hand.