STORMY JOURNEY

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1930, Page 4

STORMY JOURNEY

MIDLAND EXPRESS IN A GALE.

CARRIAGES ROCKED BY WIND. The boisterous weather prevailing on tlie East Coast caused the Midland express to arrive in Greymo'uth twenty minutes after the -scheduled-'time yeateid iy, says the “Argus.” l • ’ ■ The delay oii . this occasion : was riot caused by the slips and washouts which effected a dislocation of the traffic services on Thursday last, but by a terrific gale encountered between Cass and Springfield. The wind, attained such a velocity that, at. some stages of the journey; the carriages were swayed in a manner that red many passengers to the belief that the cars could not hold the rails. .The loco men found it necessary to proceed at a slow speed for some thirty, miles. When the scene of the recent stoppage was reached, Ijetween Staircase and Kowhai Bush, it was found lie-j cesS’ry to bring the train to a halt}/-" as the wind had blown some across the line. Fortunately the rail- C way gang employed in that vicinity were enabled to give a warning as to the obstructions, and the train wrs able to proceed after a. short interval. ; . ... ~ • .

An idea of the force of the wind may be gained ,by the fact 'that tlio hoods of three cars, which were on trucks, were blown off. . : The crops on the Canterbury side of the ranges have Seen practically ruined as a result of the abnormal weather conditions, .and the fields present a desolate appearance,. • ■: -•