RAILWAY BLOCKED

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1018, 8 July 1930, Page 10

RAILWAY BLOCKED

BIG SLIP ON TAURANGA ONE PASSENGERS TRANSHIPPED Further falls of earth, due to the heavy rain during the week-end, have delayed the clearing of a large slip in a railway cutting on the line near Pahoia, between Taurauga and Katikati. It was expected that the slip would be cleared by midnight yesterday, but it is now reported that the line should be clear at 3 o’clock this afternoon. The slip occurred about 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, and extended for 500 or 600 yards. As soon as it was learned that the slip had occurred, a work train left Tauranga. Before Pahoia could be reached, however, a minor slip at Omokoroa had to be cleared. At 6 o’clock last evening the work of clearing a track through the debris of the main slip was well in hand, but further falls of earth delayed the work. The only important train affected was the express which left Auckland at 9 a.m. yesterday for Taneatua. Passengers had to leave the train when the slip was reached and travel to Tauranga by motor-car. There a special train was waiting to take them to Taneatua. There was some inconvenience, hut the transfer was carried out as quickly as possible, and with a minimum of discomfort. Passengers on the express which left Taneatua at S a.m. today for Auckland will also have to be carried by car past the scene of the slip. The train is due to arrive in Auckland at 6.30 p.m. The transfer will he speedy, and It is not anticipated that the express will be more than a minute or so late.