A GREAT STORY

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10926, 15 November 1913, Page 1

A GREAT STORY

WORTHY OF THE FILMS. GELIGNITE AND DETONATORS. OLD GENT'S FOOTBALL AUTHOR UNKNOWN. [Pep. . Press Association.] AUCKLAND, November 14. .A deliberate attempt was made on Thursday evening to wreck the southward Main Trunk express train by the use of gelignite between Eilerslie and Green Lane. By a fortunate accident the plot was discovered, arid the explosives removed from the line a few moments before the train passed over tlio spot. Twelve plugs of gelignite were used to carry out tho pi an, aud vrlien the explosive was discovered detonators were 1 , in position in the plugs.' The cliargo was bound together in a band, and this was laid upon one of the, rails. liacl tho "locomotive passed over tho explosive it must have been wrecked and a ghastly tragedy caused. 'J.here is amplo evidence that a plan was deliberately designed either to wreck the express or to use it as an instrument to destroy railway conimu--1 nication with tho south. Gre.dit for the prevention of ite fulfilment is due to an elderly man whose identity has not been disclosed. Ho had travelled to Green Lane by a train which leaves the city a quarter of aft hour ahead of tho express. He was walking along the railway and approaching the Racecourse platform, when ho saw in tho moonlight a dark object alongside the line some distance ahead. As lie approached lie perceived that this object was a raau, who sprang to his feet, ran down the embankment and disappeared. Fortunately the elderly man's suspicions. wero _ aroused, and he hurried along the line, closely examining the rails. To liis astonishment he saw that something lay upon the righthand rail. At that moment the express, travelling fast on tho downgrade, was only a low yards behind him, but with great presence of mind ho kicked the object aside and tho train passed safely. By then the'man had an opportunity to examine tho obstruction, and found that his fears were justified, for he recognised that it was a heavy charge of gelignite, fitted with-detonators. The man who made tho discovery took tho explosive to his liomei, and eari.7 this morning took it and his jitory to the district .traJßo manager. The: .'latter immediately—informed the police, and arrangements were at once completed to guard tho railways. Adequate measures have now been taken, it was stated this evening, to protect the travelling public. . - The lines are being patrolled and special precautions ate being taken by the drivers of the i.wJns. . STRIKERS SAY " HOAX." AND SLEUTHS SAY NOTHING. [Pep. Press Association.] AUCKLAND, November 15. The detective force refuses absolutely to, make any statement concerning tho alleged attempt to wreck the main trniik express with gelignite on tho rails. ■ ' The story is declared by the Strike Committee to be a hoax.