PALMERSTON-FOXTON TRAIN AFIRE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 941, 14 January 1911, Page 3

PALMERSTON-FOXTON TRAIN AFIRE.

TRUCK OF HEMP TOTALLY DESTROYED. TRAIN HELD UP NEAR MOTUITI. It is a most unusual occurrence for a train to catch fire —at least in this country —for such risks are reduced by the Department to a minimum. Yet the unexpected happened aboard the Palmerston North-Foxton train last night. At Oroua Bridge four .vaggons, hemp laden, and securely covered with tarpoulins, were picked up, and the train moved on. Himalangi was reached without any fire being noticed. Shortly after leaving the latter station, the passengers were made aware of a fire in the vicinity of the train as smoke began to enter the apartments as the t.nain sped along. Pieces of burning material flew past the windows, and the smoke became more dense. On reaching Motuiti flag-station, which is about two and a-half miles from Foxton, it was discovered thata fire was raging on the “R” waggon. Guard Gavey, in order to keep the line clear, thought that the burning waggon could be taken as far as the windmill, where there is a loop line, and there cut out and extinguished. The on-rushing train, however, fanned the flames, and the train was pulled up on the Foxton side of Mr W. Barber’s residence, and with commendable promptitude the burning wagon was cut out. Unfortunately the passenger cars were behind the burning truck, and the line was thus blocked. Guard Gavey communicated with the local station, and vehicles were soon on the spot to convey passengers and mails on to Foxton. The news soon spread and an exaggerated report of the conflagration attracted a considerable number of people to the locality who watched the blazing pile, and made divers expressions as to “ hemp going up,” and the quickest method of clearing the line of the bin big obstruction. Fortunately, the heavy rains which fell yesterday, prevented the burning fibre which was being carried by the wind, from firing the grass, otherwise there would have been an extensive grass fire and much damage would have resulted. The cause of the outbreak is shrouded in mystery. A spark from the eugiue could not be responsible for the conflagration as the wagon was double covered. A match dropped among the bales aud ignited by friction caused by the oscillation of the moving train might account for it, or the butt ol a lighted cigarette or spark from a pipe while loading. The seat of the fire was in the centre of the wagon. The guard found the heat of the wagon, when uncoupling it from the train, almost overpowering. Had there been grapples or other appliances near by, the burning bales could have been removed and the wagon saved. The truck and its contents burnt fiercely for several hours and one length of rail was buckled by the heat. The railway staff were delayed in clearing the line owing to red hot wreckage, but the train was taken through to its destination at 5.30 this morning. Guard Gavey sustained a slight injury to his arm while assisting to lever a portion of the wreckage from the line. There were three other trucks of fibre in front and at the rear ol the burning waggon. The wagon contained 47 bales of hemp consigned to the N.Z. Shipping Co., by the undermentioned millers: Messrs Bell and Levin, Broad and Ingram and G. G. C. Smith. The hemp was consigned at consignors ’risk. The line is dear for traffic and all that now remains of the conflagration is the buckled iron work of the wagon. Mr and Mrs W. E. Barber extended their hospitality to the train officials and supplied them with much appreciated refreshment. The total loss is estimated at about ,£2OO.