DRIVER’S PROMPT ACTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 25 January 1939, Page 6

DRIVER’S PROMPT ACTION

SAVES GIRL’S LIFE FALL UNDER MOVING TRAIN FUnited Press As-ncdationl WELLINGTON, This Day. Prompt action by the driver of the Limited express saved a girl passenger, Miss Moira McMillian, Wellington, from serious injury at Paekakariki station yesterday morning. The train stopped at Paekakariki for the usual few minutes to enable passengers to obtain refreshment. Miss McMillian being among them. On hearing the guard's whistle for the resumption of the journey to Wellington she hastened to rejoin the train, but in her hurry went, it is stated, to the wrong platform. When she realised her mistake the train was slowly drawing out from the platform.

The girl attempted to mount the steps of one of the rear sleeping cars but missed her footing. She slipped between the carriages but miraculously fell almost clear of the rails, at the same time rolling herself with presence of mind close in under the edge of the platform.

Seeing the girl fall the driver of the engine. Mr J. Steele, Palmerston North, applied the emergency brake, bringing the train to a standstill within a few feet. His action undoubtedly prevented serious injury to the girl from the undergear of the carriages. She was lifted out suffering from shock and minor bruises, but was otherwise unhurt. On arrival at Wellington the Minister of Education. Mr Fraser, who was also a passenger by the train, sent Miss McMillian to her home in the Ministerial car which was awaiting him.