FLOOD DAMAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1930, Page 4

FLOOD DAMAGE

The damage done to the Midland line is stated to be great. Although nothing definite can lie reported until the return of the Acting-District E& g.i neer (Mr L usty), it is estimated that the repairing of the damage will cost the Railway Department many thousands of pounds. There was a lot of scouring between Aiinat and Springfield, and a goods train winch left Christchurch for Springfield on Wednesday morning was marooned between two wash-outs, and' was unable to proceed until ten o’clock next morning, when it was sent to Springfield.

Between Staircase and Kowai Bush a bank was undermined, and a length of 60ft. came downb There was another heavy slip further along the line, when a large quantity of debris covered the track. Further along again a wash-out occurred, about Boft. of line being damaged. V / The sun was .shining Springfield on Thursday. The busy was unable to get beyond Springfield,v as Hood waiters Itavfe recoded, leaving roads in a sorry plight. On the Railway Station, the water was two feet six inches deep, and the railway line for three-quarters of a mile was a raging torrent. A goods train trying to get though was derail-, eel. A gang of men, have been working on the wreck 'since ■Wednesday afternoon. The water is up to the floors of the trucks, and silt has covered the rails to a depth of about four inches.