Repairs Hindered by Further Quakes

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 698, 25 June 1929, Page 11

Repairs Hindered by Further Quakes

five slips NO MORE WORKMEN WANTED Press Association NELSON, Today. Rain and further ’quakes have caused considerable blockages on the Glenhope-Muichison road, also interfering considerably with telephonic and telegraphic communication. The Telegraph Department has two gangs on the road, one operating from Murchison and the other from Glenhope. Communication was restored at 11.30 this morning. Newman Brothers have a service car on the Murchison side of the road blockages, and another on this side, with a five-mile gap between, which some passengers are walking. One slip is half a mile across, with tree trunks included in the debris. It is hoped to clear a way through this afternoon. In common with other parts of the Murchison district, the Matiri Valley suffered damage from earthquakes. This valley is situated north of Murchison, and is on the line of the old coast road, which branches off at Longford Bridge. Messrs. John and Hartley Sagar, settlers of the valley, gave a reporter some details of the loss suffered. They came out on Friday and all settlers have been accounted for.

The chief damage is to houses, farms not suffering very severely. Probably some stock has been lost. Roads and bridges "were badly damaged, both bridges having been destroyed. The only means of access is on foot, as not even a horse can be taken over what remains of the road. The valley was not blocked by a slip, as was at first reported. The river was blocked until mid-day on Tuesday, but has now commenced to flow again. The blockage of the river was, no doubt, caused by a slip at the head of the vaHey. Only about two or three houses are habitable. In some instances foundation piles were shifted and came right through the floors. The women are stated to have kept up wonderfully, and showed a splendid spirit. Before the valley was evacuated, most of the dogs were shot. The Mayor of Nelson, Mr. W. J. Moffatt, has publicly expressed his thanks to the Railway Department and the acting-sationmaster in charge, Mr. H. H. Hornblow, and his staff generally, for their most valuable cooperation in the task of conveying Murchison refugees from Glenhope to Nelson at any time when required, despite a considerable disorganisation of ordinary service caused by the damage to the railway line beyond Tadmor.

The Labour Department at Nelson reports an influx of workers here, apparently in anticipation of employment. Labour is not required, but 70 names are on the books already. The latest information is that about 70 refugees are leaving Murchison this afternoon. Mr. B. F. Spiers, who is in charge of the refugees and transportation to Glenhope, considers that he will b.e able to negotiate the slip all right, and get his passengers through.

MAYOR’S RELIEF FUND TOTAL NEARLY £1,600 In addition to the amounts already acknowledged, the following contribution to the Mayor of Auckland’s Fund have been received.

£ s. d. Previously acknowledged Wilson’s (X.Z.) Portland i'88 18 0 Cement, Ltd 3 00 Fletcher Construction Co., Ltd. Auckland Transport Board Sundry Rotary Club Fines John Court, Ltd Staff of John Court’s Alfred Buckland and Sons, 50 Ltd ,T. McMillan 50 W. B. Leyland Anonymous Stewart Johnston, Hough and 20 0 n 0 0 Employees of Heard's, Ltd. . . It 10 0 Thompson and Hills, Ltd. . < 5 k 0 Hume Pipe Co. (Aust.). Ltci. 0 Ashley's. Ltrl Frank M. Winstone (Mer0 5 0 5 0 0 Mr and Mrs. H. J. D. Mahon .. 5 o O’Leary and Downs. Ltd. 2 2 0 Staff of Ashley’s, l.td 0 Old Age Pensioner P 5 0 5 0 0 c H. Drysdale and Co. 0 Hough and Campbell Total ~ 1 596 15 6