NARROW ESCAPE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 116, 19 May 1939, Page 9

NARROW ESCAPE.

TWO TRAINS ON CROSSING.

MAGISTRATE'S RECOMMENDATION.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, Thursday

When a motorist was charged in the Magistrate's Court in Wellington to-day with crossing railw-ay lines at Petone when the track was not clear, Mr. J. L. Stout, S.M., commented on the difficulties of motorists when approaching a level crossing with double tracks.

The evidence showed that defendant stopped near the Petone level crossing to allow a train from Wellington to pass but it was stated he did not see another train approaching from the opposite side' and a collision nearly occurred.

"The Railway Department should alter its time-tables so that it would not have two trains on a level crossing at the same time," said the magistrate. "I have noticed the same thing in Palmerston North."

Mr. H. Mellish, who appeared for defendant, said his client stopped his car behind a railway bus, and when the first train had cleared the crossing he heard the bus driver start his engine. Because of the noise defendant did not hear the alarm bells. He knew the bus driver had a clearer view, and presuming he was about to move again, drove 011 to the grossing. It was not until then that defendant saw a freight train approaching from Peitone on the other track.

"In this case the fine will be a nominal one only," said the magistrate, imposing a fine of 10/.