UNUSUAL SNOWSTORM

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1930, Page 2

UNUSUAL SNOWSTORM

BAILWAYS COMPLETELY BLOCKED.

AUCKLAND, July 29. For the first time since the Limited express lias been running it was held up by snow this morning in the central King Country district. 'The delay caused the express to arrive an hour late at Auckland.

From Tnihape to the foot of the spiral at Kaunmu heavy snow fell throughout, the journey. When tile express drew into Boropito siding to cross tlie Auckland-Wellington express it was found that it could not be moved. Tlie Limited bad to be run backwards and forwards several times

before the snow which was nearly two feet deep on the lines, could be cleared sufficiently to allow it to get on the main line. Even when this was accomplished more difficulties were encountered. After a delay of some fifteen minutes the engine crew again got the express in motion and, taking the snow barrier at a run, managed to get clear from the station.

During the remainder of the journncy to National Park other difficult massages were met with. At National Park station the fall was so thick that t was impossible to see. Here a heavy goods train was found to be hocked in on a siding. Passengers rom the Chateau Tongnriro who left hero to join the ordinary express at National Park were unable to get h rough. The motor vehicles were blocked by snow on the road. The

fall was the heaviest experienced in the King Country for many years. Passengers by tlie Limited express said tlie sight was a glorious one and the snow came down just like a blanket.

Latest advice received by the Divisional Superintendent’s Office in Auckland from Ohakune is to the effect that, with the exception of the mail and some express trains which got through during the early hours of this morning, all traffic is blocked between Erua and Ohakune. This morning goods apd passenger trains in the midKing Country areas have been completely blocked by snow on the lines. All traffic has been disorganised and special work trains and large gangs of workmen have been endeavouring to clear the bnnked-up snow. Flat places have been covered to the extent of ■several feet and cuttings have been completely blocked. It was expected that it would he several hours before an improvement could be made. The blockage will not prevent the Auek-land-AVellington and Wellington-Auc-land expresses running as usual.