HE SAVED THE MAIN TRUNK-SENSATIONAL ESCAPE OF THE AUCKLAND-WELLINGTON NIGHT EXPRESS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 17, 26 April 1911, Page 19

HE SAVED THE MAIN TRUNK-SENSATIONAL ESCAPE OF THE AUCKLAND-WELLINGTON NIGHT EXPRESS.

The Main Trunk express which left Auckland for Wellington on the evening of April 17th narrowly escaped a serious accident at Westfield, between the Penrose and otahuhu stations, a catastrophe being averted by tin* prompt and courageous action of a resident of Westfield. Mr. F. A. (’laude. A suburban train was being side-tracked for the passing of the express, the engine being uncoupled from the carriages in the process. The grade from Otaliuhu back to Westfield is considerable, and when th® engine was uncoupled the vehicles consisting of four carriages and a van broke away. When Mr. Claude’s attention was attracted the express was less than half a mile away, and the runaway cars 100 yards away from where he stood. He promptly raced after the runaway, applied the Westinghouse brake, and seizing one of the red lamps. Hashed it in view of the approaching express, which was brought to a standstill two chains in front of the now stationary carriages. Only Mr. Claude's promptness and presence of mind prevented a terrible- accident, for the express carried some 000 passengers, including His Excellency the Governor. Lord Islington, whose private car was adjoining the engine. Mr. Claude was the recipient of communications both from Lord and Lady Islington expressing the warmest gratitude to him for his splendid presence of mind.