MANY SLIPS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 October 1920, Page 4

MANY SLIPS.

DAMAGE IN CLIFTON COUNTY. TONGAPORUTU ISOLATED. As the result of recent rains serious slips have occurred in back country areas in Taranaki, and in some instances settlers have had to clear away the debris before being able to get out from their properties. In the Mokau district numerous falls have taken place. Tongaporutu is at present in an isolated position., and New Plymouth residents who recently made a trip out there have not been able to return home. Five slips have taken place in the district, cutting off communication. There is one particularly big slide near the tunnel, tons of earth and fallen trees being heaped up. Some days will be occupied in clearing this obstacle. There are also three slips between the Tongaporuhi store and the ferrv.

It was hoped to get mails over Mt. Messenger by pack-horse yesterday, and the road will be passable for a light express in a day or two.

Writing yesterday afternoon, our Waitara correspondent reports:—

As a result of the incessant rain experienced during the last three days, it is reported that considerable damage has been done to the roads in the Clifton County. The main road in the Mimi valley has been flooded and the Mangamaeho bridge is in a dangerous condition, practically hanging on the piles. The mail car can only go as far as the bridge, and from there the mail is being carried by pack-horse to Tongaporutu. There are about a dozen slip 3 between the mountain''and Tongaporutu ferry , The Waitara River has been in high flood the last two days, bringing down a quantity of wood. The river has made further inroad into Messrs. Lund's and Brabont's properties opposite the recreation grounds, about 20 feef or more having gone, besides a shed. This part of the river bank breaks away with every flood, ami the position is becoming serious. The steam trawler came down from Kiuvhia on Tuesday morning, and entered (he river safely on Wednesday morning. Owing to the heavy run out it took three-quarters of an hour to get from the mouth of the river to the wharf.

In a later message our Waitara correspondent reports: Word has come to hand that the mail car took the risk and crossed the Mangamaeho bridge, and the mail has gone through as usual.