SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9651, 16 November 1909, Page 5

SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE.

POWERS OF ELECTRICITY. By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, November 15. A number of tram conductors re - turning to Christchurch from the Riccarton racecourse oa a doubledacked car on Saturday, had a sensational experience or the powers of electricity. One of the arms of an electric pole near the Sockburn new shed had been under the strain of the trolley wire, ani when the car passed under it the trolley pole was pressed down until it came in contact with one of the steel guards on the top of the car. Immediately there was a short circuit. The trolley w're was fused, giving forth a big electric flame, and burnt through, one length falling to the ground, and the other remaining in contact with the car. The car was "alive," and the conductors, who were on top, with considerable calmness stood prefec.tly still and away from the metal wire. The wire fell to the earth, touched one of the rails, and in an instant burnt through it. Motor Inspector K'cha-dson, wsth promptitude, drew on his rubber gloves, and freed the car of the wire, thus allowing the conductors to vacate their dangerous position. Under the superintendence of Inspactnr Bateman, the trolley wire was repaired in a remarkably short time. The damage done was slight, but it is certain had been passengers in the car at the time of the accident the result would have been serious, since the passengers would probably have stampfded, and in their panic and endeavours to climb down would have touched the metal railings, , and received the force of tin electric current pouring into them.