A THRILLING EXPERIENCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1775, 24 February 1888, Page 2

A THRILLING EXPERIENCE

Allan C3wden, a well known locomotive engineer, haa just had a thrilling experience. While coming down a deep foar- { mile grade Into Marquette the train broke In two. Realising tho danger of a collision, Engineer Oowdon endeavored to pall away with the oara that remained with tho engine, bat the rear section of the train Btoadily gained, until the paoo of the flying trains beoame fearful. A. mile oat of Marqaette he thought of the many men at work ln the yard who might be killed by tho runaway train, and devised a plan tp save them. Ordering tho fireman to cut loose from the lr_vio he crowded on every pound of Bteam. As the looomotlve ehot forward he sounded three long blaats of tho whistle, Indicating that he wanted to keep on tho main traok, and for the switchman to Bend tbe train on tho Biding. The Bwitohman on duty responded, and aa the engine passed the frog at a mile a minute he turned the lover and the two p.eotlonß of the train daßhed Into the aiding and piled tho cara np m an indescribable niaßß. Oowden had Bavad hla life and that of his fireman, besides twenty employda ln the yard, but the train was a total wreck, whioh however, it would have been m any oase.