SAFETY OF RAIL-CARS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 17, 21 January 1937, Page 8

SAFETY OF RAIL-CARS

WEST COAST SMASH

MR. MACKLEY'S STATEMENT

A statement regarding this week's rail-car accident on the West Coast was made by the General Manager of Railways (Mr. G. H. Mackley) after he returned to Wellington by air yesterday afternoon. Mr. Mackley left Greymouth at 3.45 p.m. and reached Rongotai at 5.50 p.m.

I "There are large numbers of these Ifour-wheeled rail-cars in use in other [countries, many being of lighter weight land run at higher speeds," said Mr. Mackley. He was Satisfied the railcar was safe in the service it was built for under normal conditions and that it was not too light for the purpose for which it was constructed.

Explaining the accident, Mr. Mackley said that a mob of cattle had, just before the rail-car traversed the crossing, [crossed from the west to the east side of the line. Dogs brought them back [and they had milled on the crossing, which caused an undue disturbance of loose metal, which was on the side of the road. Although the cause was not known for certain, it seemed that the accident had been brought about by a i stone of some size becoming wedged iin the flangeway of the track. Their experience had been that accidents from this cause were fortunately Very rare.

"It was after requests from people that they should be allowed to utilise the newspaper service for carrying passengers that It had been decided to carry passengers on this train," he said. "In acceding to their requests we were entirely satisfied—and still are satisfied—that the vehicle is quite safe for normal conditions."

The two rail-cars uged on the West Coast service had between them done about 60,000 miles, and his own railcar, which was used for inspection purposes and was of considerably lighter design and construction, had on its trips through the North and South Islands covered approximately 30,000 miles. During his travels he had carefully noted the action of the inspection car at level crossings, and on the main line sections in both islands he had never, at any time, had the slightest anxiety. 6AFE IN OTHER LANDS.

Mr. Mackley said many fourwheeled cars were used abroad, especially in France and Germany. The West Coast one was heavier than these and travelled at slower speeds, according to official reports. He agreed that it would be an advantage to have double bogies fitted to the small railcars. The standard rail-car, a much heavier vehicle, Would have double bogies. The Department was not at present considering sealing crossings to prevent stones lodging alongside the rails, as experience had shown that accidents from such a course were rare indeed. If the inquiry board which would consider the whole circumstances of the accident had any recommendations to make on the subject of sealing, no doubt it would make them.

"The possibilities of a derailment taking place at a level crossing through an obstruction on the line are familiar to all experiences railwaymen," he said. "Fortunately such derailments are rare, but we have had some before, even with steam trains,"

For the inquiry into the accident such evidence as is available will be taken at Hokltika, and it is probable that evidence will also be heard at Greymouth and Wellington. The inquiry board, which consists of Mr. G. T. Wilson, transport superintendent, Mr. H. C. Lusty, assistant chief engineer, and Mr. J. Binstcd, loeomotive engineer, will, after a sitting in Wellington, submit its findings to Mr. Mackley for consideration, and ho will report fo the Minister of Railways, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan.