Connecticut western news., 1920-03-04
C. N. E. SERVICE IS
 BECOMING NORMAL
Engine and Flow Of Track Cause of Much
 Delay

Nearly a month has passed since the big storm, followed by several little ones, and the c. N. E. Railroad is just beginning to get back to nor nal. Snow, ice and wind have work ed havoc on this road, not only mak- ing train service irregular but mak- ing the cost of attempted operation run into large figures.
 No trains on this road came into Canaan from Thursday night until Monday morning. Wind had blown and packed snow to the depth of several feet in the cuts between here and Norfolk and at Norfolk Summit for distance of nearly a half mile the snow was said to be 8 and 10 feet deep. Snow blows were of no avail in such snow and crew of 125 men was made up Tn Hartford to dig out the road. An other crew of 100 men was made up in Poughkeepsie and hurried here by special train Sunday. Arriving in town, tired and hungry, it was found there was no bread to be had, so Agent Kinney after telephoning to nearby towns located some in Miller ton. A special train was made up to go for the bread and was stuck near Ore Hill. Another engine was sent and finally worked it's way through. ,..- t
 The snowplow leaving here early Friday afternoon with two engines came to grief in the cut near the East Main street trustle. The blow was torn from the rear trucks and thrown crosswise on the track, lodging against the rocky ledge, while the big "New Haven" engine was derailed. The rear of the blow was smashed more or less, aside from which little damage resulted.
 It was at once realized by the crew that the wrecker was needed and until after it's arrival, all traffic came to a standstill. The wrecker arrived from Waterbury late Friday night and attempted to reach the scene of disaster but was stalled near Collins crossing, ar irving at the cut in the afternoon. After several hours hard work the engine was placed on the track and was able to leave under it's own power. The rear trucks were then snaked from under the snowplow and as the huge derrick strengthened it with the track and raised it up, new trucks were placed under it and made fast. Shortly after nine o'clock Saturday evening the tracks were again cleared, permitting work trains to go to the relief of those snowbound at Norfolk.
 Hundreds of people visited the scene of the accident and through out the day the bank was lined with men and women, watching the work of the wrecking crew. Cameras were much in evidence and scores of pictures were taken.
 Seven engines were stuck in Nor folk at one time and relief train made up in Hartford that was due to leave on. Friday evening at 8 o'clock, did not leave until early the next morning due to the fact that there were no available locomotives. Shortly after leaving Hartford the train ran into snow drifts that re- quired several hours digging before it could proceed.
 For the first time in forty-nine years or since the Central New Eng land railway extended it's lines to Norfolk, mail for that town was re- ceived by other than railroad con- veyance. Postmaster John Mulville arranged with Martin Dodd to bring the mail to Norfolk from Winsted Dy automobile. It was an important event in the life of the town, as it was the first time the mails had been carried over the highways since the days of the old stage coach. The coal situation in Norfolk is most serious. The condition of the traffic lines has made it impossible for fuel to be shipped into the town, and as a result no coal has arrived here since January 1. There are only a few tons of coal in the bins of the prin- cipal dealers, and this is being ap- portioned in lots of 200 pounds to those most in need.
 The coal situation locally has not yet reached crisis, though dealers are sending out some sizes in half ton lots. Corn and oats arc badly needed, not pound being available until Tuesday when Ives & Peirce received long-delayed car.