RAIL-CAR DAMAGED

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23444, 26 September 1941, Page 8

RAIL-CAR DAMAGED

SLIPS ON WEST COAST LINE (F.0.0.R.) GREYMOUTH, Sept. 25. T\yo mishaps occurred to the Christ-church-West Coast rail-car about 4.30 this morning, as a result of boulders rolling on to the track after heavy rain in the Southern Alps. The .railcar safely negotiated the obstacles, but it was considerably damaged, and was unable to complete the trip to Greymouth. The mishaps occurred in quick succession near Cora Lynn. Heavy rain was falling at the time, and visibility was poor. The car struck some comparatively small rocks, which had rolled from a loose bank on the righthand side of the track. It was pulled up quickly, and it was found that damage had been caused to the fuel system underneath the chassis. After a check-up by the driver and the removal of other stones from the track, it was decided to proceed at a reduced pace, but. the car had travelled only a few hundred yards when another boulder was encountered. With a succession of bumps the car passed over the boulder and was pulled up in its own length. The fuel supply again suffered, and an inspection showed that oil- was pouring from one of the tanks, while the braking system was also seriously damaged. Minor adjustments were effected, and following a half-hour delay, the driver decided to attempt to reach Arthur’s Pass. Proceeding at a greatly reduced speed, the rail-car had an uninterrupted journey to Arthur’s Pass, although the fuel supply was almost exhausted. There were 13 passengers in the car, one of the 50-seater Vulcans, and arrangements were made for them to complete the journey by steam train from Arthur’s Pass. On arrival at Otira they were transferred to the regular 6.45 , a.m. Otira-Greymouth mixed goods train and arrived at Greymouth at 9.58, three-quarters of an hour late. No passengers were injured, but after the second series of bumps, several women passengers suffered slightly from shock. The damaged rail-car was returned to Christchurch from Arthur’s Pass for repairs, and a substitute arrived this afternoon from Christchurch to take over to-night’s return service. The Greymouth-Hokitika service to-day was maintained by steam trains.