TRAIN WRECKERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 43, 20 February 1935, Page 11

TRAIN WRECKERS.

CONCRETE ON LINE.

ATTEMPTS AT DERAILMENT.

TWO WITHIN TEN MINUTES. A 501b block of concrete was usod in an attempt last Thursday night to wreck the "theatre" train from Hornsby, between that station and Normanhurst, New South Wales. Within ten minutes of the attempt, the wreckers placed a second slab of concrete, weighing 801b, on the line. In view of the size of the obstructions, police and railway officials do not hold boys responsible. The 6.50 train left Hornsby for the city with a large number of passengers, most of whom were going to the theatres. Half-way to Normanhurst, when passing at 40 miles an hour through a cutting 30 feet deep, the trip, an automatic device that applies the brakes, struck the concrete, toppling it from tlk, line. Passengers Flung From Seatsf

The wheels of the whole train locked simultaneously, and it pulled up in less than half a car's length. Passengers were flung violently from their seats, but no one was hurt. After driver A. Ray and guard Edwards had assured themselves that no damage had been done, they notified the Hornsby stationmaster, and resumed their journey after five minutes' delay. Porter W. J. Jenkins, of Horneby, arrived on a goods train ten minutes later and found the second piece of concrete on the line, over which the electric train had passed a few minutes previously. A half-brick propped it up to make it more secure. No Accident. Officials have no doubt that the wreckers were in hiding when the train struck the first obstruction, and, disappointed at their failure to cause a smash, made a second and more determined attempt. The position of the obstructions made it impossible for the concrete to have fallen from the top of the cutting. Moreover, the soft clay of the cutting showed no marks of falling objects. The cutting is 100 yards long, so the wreckers must have carried the weighty lumps of concrete some distance. Police searched the locality without finding anyone. For some months officials were puzzled by repeated attempts to derail motor and electric trains on the Tempe-East Hills line. A strict police watch was maintained, but those responsible were never caught.