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Thu 15 Jan 1953 - Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW : 1882 - 1962)
Page 6 - Fifty Years Ago
I
Fifty Years Ago
(From "Ncpcan Times",
January 3, 1903)
LAPSTONE TUNNEL
On several occasions we -have
had to refer to Harrow escapes
in what some of the railway men
are pleased to call "The Devil's
Hole". We now refer to the Lap
stone tunnel, which, through its
want of ventilation and its steep
grade, has often been the cause
of drivers and firemen, who are
compelled to go through the ter
ribly hot air without any protec
tion whatever, being subjected
to very unpleasant and some
times very serious experiences.
On Wednesday a special train
preceded the ordinary 11.30 truin
for the purpose of relieving the
traffic. This train was in charge
of Driver J. Willis, and Fireman
T. Wright was- on the engine.
They were delayed a great deal
owing to a water train being in
advance.
On reaching the tunnel they
made three attempts to get
through, both men being ter
ribly affected.
At last they detached pnrt of
the train and got through all
right,, but on arrival at Glen
brook station the driver collapsed
and Wright was in a bad way.
A driver and fireman who were
in charge of a light engine took
charge of Willis's train, ran
through and picked up the tail
portion of the train, and pro
ceeded to its destination.
Mr. Willis, shortly afterward,
collapsed and both he and
Wright were afterward sent on
to Penrith. Mr. Lovett rendered
first-aid to Willis, and he was
fairly comfortable when Dr. Mc
Master arrived.
(From Issue of January 10)
Since then the driver, Mr. j.
Willis, has been having a terribly
bad time and was only able to
get out on Thursday last. His
lungs nppenred to be still affect
ed, but he is getting on well. The
fireman, Mr. T. Wright, was at
work the following day, and has
now fully recovered.
Some passengers, we' under
stand, who were left in the train
got out and walked to Penrith.
Of course, the Department is
going "to do something" at once,
but the best thing they can do
is at once to carry out the sug
gestion of making a fresh road I
for the journey upward and dup- 1
Heating between Penrith and ,
Glenbrook.