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Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9594, 4 February 1910, Page 4

A Mastertou business man, who was a passenger ou board the train which was in difficulties on the Rimutaka Incline ou Wednesday last, informs us that lie is quite sure that the cause of tho mishap was the fact that the power of tlio engines was greatly overtaxed. Tho train started away from Cross Creek heavily loaded and with three engine.-; attached to it, but was unable to negotiate the steep grade on the Wairarapa side of the second tunnel uutil Cross Creek had been communicated with and the assistance of a fourth engine obtained. A Mastertou telephone expert who happened to bo ou board rendered valuable assistance in "tapping" the telephone wire, otherwise the delay of tho train aud the consequent anxiety of the passengers would have been still further protracted. Tho experience of the passougers was a most uuploasaut one, aud when it was found necessary to back the train a shore distance down the hill it was ouly with difficulty that panic amongst some of the lady passengers was prevouted. They were afraid that the traiu would break away from control. There was a very bitter feeling expressed by many of the passengers at the fact of the Wairarapa train service being cut down to such au extent as to endanger the safety ot tho travelling public. Cur informant is of tho opinion that as long as the Minister of Railways adheres to the present inadequate service ho. is running the risk of a serious disaster occurring to some overloaded train on the Rimutaka hill.