TRAIN WRECKER AT WORK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3148, 15 July 1914, Page 48

TRAIN WRECKER AT WORK.

TWO UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS. PALMERSTON NORTH, July 9,

It was recently reported that an attempt had been made to wreck the Auckland night express at Bunnythorpc by placing a rail over the line. On investigations being made, it was thought that it was the act of some thoughtless children. On Wednesday night, what appears to have been another deliberate attempt to wreck the midnight express from Wellington took place on the Palmerston side of the Awapuni railway station. It appears that a beam, some 6in thick and 12ft long, resembling those used- in the construction of cattle stops, was placed across the rails. The learn was struck by the engine, which bears the distinct marks of the impact. The present occurrence, following so shortly after the Bunnythorpo episode, gives rise to the suspicion that some dangerous person is at large.

N.. July 13. A sensational sequel to the recent rumours of attempts to wreck the Main Trunk train by placing a beam across the rails at Awapuni was enacted in the court this morning, when a young man named John Mason was charged that, on July 8, at Awaipuni, ho did wilfully place an obstruction on the railway lino between Palmerston North and Longburn. Detectives Quirko and Sweeney made the arrest on Saturday. A remand was granted until Tuesday, the 21st inst. Accused’s counsel (Mr limes) asked for bail, but this was opposed by Sub-inspector Marsack, who said: “ This is a very serious offence. Accused docs not appear to bo compos mentis. With men in this condition there is no security that they might not repeat an ollcnco.” Mr Poynton, S.M., said the offence was next to murder. A hundred people might have been killed. Bail was allowed, and fixed at £IOOO, and two sureties of £SOO. »