Guest Frank_Nabbit Report post Posted January 20, 2004 NZ train driver on stress leave after running over garden gnome Mon Jan 19, 8:54 PM ET WELLINGTON, (AFP) - A New Zealand train driver went on indefinite stress leave after running over a garden gnome which he feared was a child. The gnome was apparently placed on rail tracks in the North Island city of Tauranga, south of Auckland, as a practical joke, police said. But when the driver's train struck the small figure in the early hours of Tuesday morning, he believed he had killed a child and called police. A small pair of boots were found on the track but when they turned out to be made of pottery, the truth began to dawn. Other shattered pieces of pottery were found nearby. Rail company Tranz Rail had to send relief staff to take over from the shaken driver, who was on indefinite stress leave, spokeswoman Sue Foley said, adding the incident was "a stupid prank". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zack Malibu 0 Report post Posted January 20, 2004 So that explains why all his gnomes had black armbands on this morning. I knew something was wrong when Jiggy wasn't in the display. RIP Seymour "Jiggy" McGnomer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justsoyouknow 0 Report post Posted January 20, 2004 Wait...let me see if I understand this: CWM was the train driver...and he hit a gnome...and the fact that he killed what he loved most sent him over the edge? So now he's on indefinite stress leave? Doesn't CWM live in Richmond? I'm confuzzled. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zack Malibu 0 Report post Posted January 20, 2004 HE WOULD NEVER HURT THEM! HE LOVED THEM LIKE HIS OWN FLESH AND BLOOD! YOU TAKE THAT BACK! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
k thx 0 Report post Posted January 20, 2004 But when the driver's train struck the small figure in the early hours of Tuesday morning, he believed he had killed a child and called police. A small pair of boots were found on the track but when they turned out to be made of pottery, the truth began to dawn. I love the idea that the truth only began to dawn. Deep inside, part of hime still believed that it was a small child in pottery boots... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted January 20, 2004 I'm sure if it was cold enough a child might shatter like pottery. have funeral arrangements been made? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest cobainwasmurdered Report post Posted January 20, 2004 Yes, Jiggy will be laid to rest in a family plot (my backyard) tomorrow at 11 am. donations to the Gnome Fondation in lue of flowers please. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted January 20, 2004 I can't mask my true feelings anymore...it was me CWM...yes me. I stole the keys to the train out of your gym bag, I drove the train, and I ran over the lawn Gnome! I did it for...the Pink Flamingos. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest cobainwasmurdered Report post Posted January 20, 2004 you...bastard? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites