TRAIN DELAY

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1929, Page 5

TRAIN DELAY

ACCIDENT TO GEAR. [By Telegraph, Per Press Association.; CHRISTCHURCH, June 12. One report states that but for the presence of mind of the driver, to-day s second express from the south would almost certainly have been derailed near Norwood last evening. When travelling - over 40 miles per hour, the big connecting rods on the engine broke, one furrowed up the permanent way, but the driver applied the brake# in such a manner that only the passengers in the first carriages realised that it was an emergency stop. A relief train brought the pasesngers, seventy in all, to Christchurch, aniv'ing at 2 a.m., seven hours late. When the accident occurred, the Norwood train was delayed nearly two hours behind schedule, owing to the engine breaking down at Hook, south of*Timaru and having to be replaced. At Norwood the train suddenly pullon up again ,it being found that on the left-hand side of the engine, the broken rod, a piece of steel about four inches thick, had bent double, and hung outwards, while one on the opposite side had broken off like a cairot. The remainder of this rod had ploughed up the permanent way, and but for a good depth of gravel, would undoubtedly, by striking the sleepers have derailed the train. As it was it struck one sleeper reducing the end to matchwood.

The ferry steamer was held hack and forty of the passengers connected. Official statements confirm the v.few that the express had a narrow escape from derailment at Norwood yesterevo. with a consequent telescoping of the carriages and a probable loss of life. The speed was forty miles an hour and the engine was rocking perilously when the driver skilfully pulled it up.