[PRESS ASSOCIATION.] THE AVERTED RAILWAY COLLISION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 94, 22 April 1911, Page 9

[PRESS ASSOCIATION.] THE AVERTED RAILWAY COLLISION.

| * AUCKLAND, 21st April. I Mr. R. Claude, who acted with such conspicuous courage and presence of mind in averting collision between a runaway train and the Main Trunk express near Westfield on Monday night, has been the recipient of a large number of letters from passengers and relatives of passengers travelling by the express, gratefully acknowledging the singular services he rendered on the occasion mentioned. Included in the number is a letter from the Governor, Lord Islington :—: — "It was not until this morning that I was placed in possession of the facts in connection with the providential escape from a serious accident that I and my fellow-passengers had on Monday night during our journey on the Main Trunk express, and that escape was clue to the courage, decision, and presence of mind displayed in bo singular a manner by tho action you took on the occasion, thus averting what would in all probability have been a very serious accident. I desire, on my own behalf ' and that of my staff who accompanied me, to tender to you our expression of ' deep appreciation and gratitude for the splendid service you rendered us, together with ail the other occupants of the train, by your prompt and masterly action. As my car on the occasion"~happened to be next to the engine I feel particularly indebted to you for your invaluable services."