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Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8662, 17 August 1908, Page 3

One of the most exciting races ever witnessed between a motor-car and a train occurred a few weeks ago on Long Island, when Miss Marjorie Bourne, daughter of Commodore Frederick G. Bourne, a well-known millionaire, attempted to pass the celebrated "cannon ball" express. The train was travelling at fifty-six miles an hour, when the passengers became aware of the figure of a young girl standing in a motor-car urging the chaffeur to drive faster. Every moment the speed of the train increased, but despite the utmost efforts of the engine-driver the car steadily forged ahead until, at the end of four milee of straight road, the young lady's motor-car spurted ahead and, with reckless disregard for safety, 6hot across the railway crossing- a. hair'e breadth in front of the train as it thundered by. Eye-witnesses; held their breath. They affirm that a delay of half a- second would have brought destruction on both car and train. Owing to a wide bond in the road, Miss Bourne lost the course for the next male, but her car shot across a second crossing scarcely a foot behind the rear carriage. Finally the train drew up at Oakdale station, the winner by half a length.