THE MAIN TRUNK LINE

Taihape Daily Times, 29 June 1918, Page 5

THE MAIN TRUNK LINE

Owing .to the slips on the line the railway service is eom'pietely disorganised. The slip between Mataroa and Bennett's Siding has been cleared sufficiently to allow the train to get through, and the Auckland to "Wellipgftbn express got through to Taihape ontime. The train proceeded to Silverhopte, foetwieem HunfiervJllo and Marton, and transferred its passengers and mails' to a train on' the other side, by which means through connection was maintained. The train on the north side of the slip took mails, etc., from a train on the south side, arriving in taihape about 10-30" this morning.

The obstruction at Sliverhope is a more serious one than was at first thought, and is a veritable scene of wreckage. The engine is lying off the line, and is barely visible, being covered by debris. Several -cattle trucks have telescoped, and have piled up in a heap of splintered wood and twisted iron, reaching far above the telegraph wires overhead. The freights of wood, coal, and flax, are mixed up into something approaching a heterogeneous mass. The traffic road is close by, and quite clear, rendering the task of transferring from one relief train toanother comparatively easy. Gangs of men are employed clearing away the slip and wreckage, and it is hoped the line will be cleared sufficiently to allovv something approaching normal traffic to be resumed on Monday.

Under the circumstances the railway service is almost at a standstill There is a possibility of the southern mail train getting through to-night, but nohing definite in this connection can be stated. The only thing certain, is that the Railway authorities are doing their utmost to rectify matters.