THE RAILWAYS

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 29, 2 February 1917, Page 8

THE RAILWAYS

ROLLING STOCK

COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY.

At the instance "of the. Railways Department a Commission has been set up to enquire into insinuations that have been made that the rolling stock of the New Zealand Railways has been, allowed to deteriorate The Commission consists of Professor R. J. Scott, Canterbury College (chairman)'; Mr. James Marchbanks, engineer to the. Wellington Harbour Board;'and-.Mr. J. P. Masewell, civil engineer, Wellington. The Commission is directed to enquire into and report upon the following matters :— . (1) The condition of the rolling stock on the-New Zealand Government Railways in July, 1916? (2) Has such rolling stock been.maintained in good and efficient order and condition during the three years between August, 1913, and July, 1916 ? ' (3) Has proper provision been, made for the upkeep and renewal of the rolling stock? :

(4) Has the condition of carriage and wagon springs at any time been inefficient ?

. (5) Is it correct (as has been alleged) that where broken; springs have been found under carriages two such springs have been put into one instead of being replaced by one sound carriage spring? (6) .Has the safety of the public been adversely affected at any tima during, the three years preceding July, 1916, by the condition of the under-frames and run-ning-gear of the^ carriages and wagons ? (7) Has any inspector or other officer having charge of rolling stock, or responsible for its condition, at any time during the three years aforesaid reported advereely on the condition and upkeep of the rolling stock, or notified any of his superiors that he declined to carry the burden of his responsibilities by reason of the condition of the rolling stock? If so, to whom was such report or notification given, and on what date ? (8) Is the allegation that has been made " tliat the undergear 'of coaches and wagons is wearing out, and that there has not been a sufficient supply. o£ spares available during the three years specified " justified ? (9) Is the.. allegation that has been made that the condition of rolling stock at present existing is due to inefficiency, want of thought, and neglect of public interests on the part of the responsible officers of the Department justified?

The Commission is required to send in its report not later than 16th March. It will open at Auckland on Monday, and take evidence there, afterwards visiting such centres as may be. considered necessary. , Mr. M. Myers will represent the Department. The General Manager (Mr. E. H. Hiley) and the Chief Mechanical En- 1 gineer (Mr. 11. H. Jaelcson) will leave for Auckland to-morrow in connection witli the enquiry, which will be open to the press.