A NARROW ESCAPE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16700, 8 December 1919, Page 12

A NARROW ESCAPE.

MAIN TRUNK TRAIN'S PEBTL. Only the prcsenco of mind of tlio driver saved tho Main Trunk express from disaster when it passed through To Kuiti on Friday morning (says the Auckland "Star's" correspondent.) There is a steep declivity as t.be railway approaches To Kuiti' from the south, and it w tho practice of tho Main Trunk expresi to run down tho grndo at a fair speed. As the train came through at 2 a.m. today (up to time) the driver (A. Blackwefi) found tho semaphore signals showing all clear, but apparently tho points were wrongly set, for tho train was diverted from the main lino to tho sidings, v.'hich were filled with standing waggons. The Inrch of the engine an nho swerved in tho dark from tho mailt track told the driver and Fireman Little that something was wrong. The brakes were immediately applied and the train pulled up. It was then discovered that tho express had been switched cm to a siding containing a number of loading standing waggons, and that it had been brought to a stop within p few coach lengths of the obstacle that might have wrecked tho train. The distance between the points and tho waggonß was only some fifty yards, and tho prcsenco of mind anS prompt action of tho men in charge of the train appear to have been solely responsible for arerting the smash. A fortunate circumstance was tho fact that a goods train which the express ordinarily passes nfc this point, and which was a possible further obstaclo with tho express on the wrong line, was running .late, and was therefore clear of the sidings. After the train was pulled up it was shunted ont and resumed itn journey on the main line, with few of the passengers aware of their narrow escapo.