RAILWAY ACCIDENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 134, 10 June 1927, Page 8

RAILWAY ACCIDENTS

TIMARU SMASH

NEED FOR OPEN INQUIRIES

EDITORIAL COMMENT

(By T«lt|raph.) (Special to "The Evening Pojt.")

CHBISTCHUBCH, This Day

The "Star" editorially says:—"The need for an open inquiry into the Thnaru railway smash becomes more apparent as the private inquiry proceeds. Here is an extraordinary position offered to -(he public of an inquiry in camera, whose business is to report to the Minister of Bailways, issuing to the Press from day. to day scrappy information which deserves no better description than the rather expressive Americanism, 'Dope.' The suggestion is being put out that the very simple explanation of the accident lies in the fact that small boys were charged a month or so ago with putting stones on the line, and, that a similar prank caused the derailment. If this were really true the Department would be glad to offer the fullest public inquiry. If its track and rolling stock were in perfect order it would be reassuring to the public to know it, ana it would be to the credit of the Department to make it known, but hardheaded railwaymen laugh at the suggestion that the derailment was caused through stones being placed on the line. It has been suggested indeed that the Wasting operations on the face of the terrace on .which'■the railway runs into Timaru have caused subsidences which, led to a spread of the rails. Is the inquiry taking evidence on this subject in camera, or«will it take evidence in regard to the inspection of the track, the, state of the rolling stock, and so on?" '

The editorial also comments on the fact that no suspensions have been made in connection with the "collision of the shunting engine and a crowded tram in Colombo street last Tuesday and emphasises the need- for an open inquiry. ■''.., .

"Nobody can be suspended," savn the writer. "The regulations do not provide for suspension, except for drunkeenness or train-running irregularity. It is understood the ' enginedriver's explanation of the accident has been tendered to the authorities but no inquiry will' be held, and, while disciplinary action may betaken; it is doubtful whether a statement will be made to the public regarding the collision or the steps that have been taken to prevent a recurrence of it."