HUGE MOUNTAIN SLIDE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8135, 15 June 1906, Page 2

HUGE MOUNTAIN SLIDE.

BULLER RIVER BLOCKED. PEII PBKS.S AVSWIATION. Wiisn'OßT, June It. A huge mountain slide lias block d tlio Bailer river above Lyoll, forming a dam. RIVER RISLS 20.) FEET. BAKU 10ADE GRAD[TALLY BREAKING AWAY. SERIOUS DAMAGE UNANTICIPATKD, Westpokt, Juno 14.

Word was roceivod from Lyell, about 41 miles up tlio Buller river this after* noon, that a huge land slide had occurred fro.u the mountain about a mile and a quarter above Lyell, effectually blocking tlie Buller river, and causing the river behind the barricade to riso 200 feet. Dredging and shipping were warned to be prepared for a flood of water in case of the dam giving way suddenly. Later in the day a considerable portion of the embankment, mostly the trees and tho loose earth, gradually gave way and the river assumed almost its normal level, without doing so far as has been at present ascertained any damage. It is feared, however, that further slips may occur. A telegram just to hand from Lyell states that the breakaway of the backed-up waters which accumulated for upwards of two hours, was gradual. So effectually was the gorge blocked that during that period only a few heads of water trickled through, and the river everywhere within a mile of the stoppage could be easily waded. There is still a large quantity of water backed up, but the boulders are so lirge and the cliffs on either side so rock lound, that there is little danger of a sudden rush. Tbe waters are still hemmed in by the mass of debris, SO feet above normal level. It is now raining steadily and a slight fresh will remove the obstruction, but it is not thought that any serious damage will occur. Had tho waters broken away suddenly when the dam was at its height, the entire valley would have been swept from here to Westport. The slips have gradually subsided, and the maiu danger is past. L.vteb. A telegram from Lyell at 10.15 p.m. says the rain has ceased. Slips continue to fall, but nothing serious is anticipated.