Evening all, I hope that everyone thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing and happy Christmas & Boxing Day with family and/or friends. The beginning of another New Year is almost here, again, ..... seems that the older you get, the faster they go :) Railway Accident at Parramatta : Even though not many people were injured in this early railway accident at Parramatta, it caused great concern and shock amongst the public. Trains had been seen as agents of progress and growth, not death and destruction. The first serious case of 'telescoping' in connection with the railway system of the colony took place at Parramatta yesterday afternoon, and it is almost miraculous that it was not attended with fatal consequences. Hitherto the lines have been tolerably free from accidents of any magnitude, notwithstanding the amount of traffic upon them, especially at holiday time, and this, perhaps, will account for the consternation which has resulted from this one ... Yesterday being Boxing Day, several thousands of people proceeded by railway to the Parramatta and Hawkesbury races, inspired with confidence by the good management of the railways, and little dreaming of the terrible shock their nervous systems were to experience. The races at both places were over and the Sydney people were preparing to return home. A large number of those at Windsor left in a first-class special train about 6 o'clock and had proceeded merrily on their way as far as Parramatta, when the engine to which their train was attached ran into a train which was stationary there and about to proceed to Sydney. A number of people had taken seats in the last two carriages of the Sydney train when the train from Windsor was observed approaching the station. It was seen by Mr. RICHARDSON, line inspector, that it had by far too much way on, and that gentleman told those in the carriages to jump out for their lives. A large number did so, but several persons were prevented from following the injunction in consequence of the excitement and crush. The danger they were in was apparent to everyone on the platform, for the Windsor engine was crushing its way into the carriages and making the position of the inmates more perilous every second, and their escape almost impossible. Their shrieks were terrific, and the excitement on the platform became intensified in consequence. Women screamed and fainted and went into wild hysterics, while the hearts of men stood still with horror ... at last the engine stopped its cruel progress, and instantly dozens of willing hands were ready to assist those who, it was evident, must have been seriously injured. Vehicles were procurred at once with a view to sending them all to the Parramatta Infirmary. Two women and three men were taken to that institution. Those who stayed behind received all the attention it was possible to bestow on them. S.M.H. 27th December, 1879 Diane