MANAWATU GORGE SLIPS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12607, 18 November 1926, Page 6

MANAWATU GORGE SLIPS

RAILWAY LINE STILL BLOCKED EXPLOSIVES TO BE USED. Per Press Association. PALMERSTON N., November 17. The three engineers of the Railway Department who inspected the blockage of the railway in the Manawatu gorge yesterday, decided, after full consideration of the position to resort to explosives to remove the menace of a further great landslide, which threatens the line a few chains on the Palmerston side of the original avalanche. One of the engineers in charge of the operations at the gorge said that, so far as the original slip was concerned, it could have been cleared away by last week-end, but the greater menace of the new subsidence, which recently became apparent, made it obvious that the line could not be reopened for traffic until this new development had been coped with. By yesterday afternoon the line along the length of the first landslide, which occurred over three weeks ago, was practically clear, and it was considered there was no further danger from the hillside at this point. The only damage to the track was a slight twisting of one rail which was easily remedied. Before deciding yesterday to use explosives on the new subsidence which threatens, the engineers debated the question of shunting goods wagons over the line for the clay so as to relievo any congestion, and then go ahead with the plan to blow out the dangerous part. It was ascertained, however, that there was no serious congestion in the Palmerston North yards, although the position at Cross Creek was different. It was then decided to close the line definitely for the blasting operations from to-day until all is again in order. An official who was interviewed stated that it would he at least a fortnight before the line would he reopen cd.