ACCIDENTS TO CONDUCTORS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1265, 21 October 1911, Page 14

ACCIDENTS TO CONDUCTORS.

Sir,—Kindly allow me. space to reply to a statement made by Mr. J. P. Luke, M.P. in the House last night (October 17), viz.: "That only ono accident hrd happened to a conductor oil the ellington tramways, and this was in connection with n box car." Now, sir, I would liko to mention a few of tho accidents that havo occurrcd on the much-vaunted palace and combination cars. Conductor Athea was thrown off the step of a palace car at Kilbirnic, receiving injuries from which he died in a few hours. Conductor Walsh was dragged off tho step with a rart in Mannrs Street, receiving injuries from which he ultimately died. Conductor Boyle was jammed by carts

on tiro occasions, both times receiving sevoro injuries. Conductor Sutherland was thrown off a palace oar, sustaining a broken arm .vul other injuries- Conductor Petherick was crushed against tlio siao of a palace car and received such injuries that ho'has not conducted a car since. Ho has a light job winding tho clocks, etc. There have also boen Humorous minor accidcnts, but, 6ir, 1 think I have proved that there are 6omo good reasons why tho "Davey" clav.se should not be deleted from tho Tramways Bill. Ono only needs to watch tho conductors on tho tunnel-bound cars at between 5 and G in the evening to see how difficult it is for them to even retain a hold at all. A conductor has a wallet of tickets in his left liand, and has to issue tickets, tako money, give change, punch cards, and hang on, with his right hand. Apologising for takiug up so much of your valuable space,—l am, etc., "NEBO." Newtown, October 18, 1911.