THE STORMS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2453, 31 March 1888, Page 2

THE STORMS.

[by TELEGRAPH.— PR.E.-JS ASSOCIATION.] Wr: i.l I N"( ito s, Thursday. Tun railway line between Wellington and Petone is a terrible wreck. It is hard to imagine that so serious damage could be caused in one night. After parsing Kaiwarra the damage commences, and in places there is a stretch of a mile where the permanent way has almost disappeared —rails and sleepers being suspended. The strong concrete wall beyond Ngahauranga has been scoured out, and well-set fencing has been dislodged and thrown about promiscuously, Had the gale continned a few hours longer hardly a vestige of the line would have been left. Passengers are taken out to Petone in omnibuses where they connect with train, and it is thought probable that it will be quite two months before trains are running. The train which left for Wairarapa yesterday evening is still stuck up between Ngahauranga and Petone—being unable to move, as the lino is damaged in front and behind it. The Cook Straits cable has broken, and communication with the South Island is seriously interrupted in consequence. Dr. Lemon has proceeded to Lycll's Bay to test the cable, and ascertain where the break took place. As the Telegraph Department have not any agreement now with the Eastern Extension Cable Company for the use of their cable repairing steamer, for which appliances are in stock. Four operators have gone to Wanganui to work the cable from there to White's Bay. Napier, Thursday. Great damage was done by the heavy sea to the Marine parade. The seawall for a long distance was carried away, and a greater part of the roadway washed away. The water entered the houses, washed away fences, and knocked down solid brink garden walls. Gangs of men have been working all day to secure the wall against further damage. The harbour works received no injury.