LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 86, 8 October 1943, Page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

RAILWAY SAFETY

Sir,—The frequency of railway derailments is becoming-alarming, and it behoves the responsible authorities, indeed the Minister of Railways, to thoroughly investigate the cause and to apply,the remedy (which surely is not far to seek). It will be conceded that the greater numbfer of motor accidents and fatalities are due to excessive speed, : notwithstanding that a t public highway allows of much greater scope than is the case with a train, which is confined "to" the, narrow dimensions of a 3ft pin railroad gauge, increasing if anything the danger of mishap in comparison. I therefore suggest that the serious and effective attention that was given to speedsters on the highway and the restriction on speed applied should also be made applicable to our railways. It has been officially stated that, .during the past year over 600 extra trains have traversed our railroads. It is obvious that this extraordinary increase, including transport of heavy goods, has had a wearing effect-upon both • railroad and rolling stock. We know.that there is considerable depletion in repair staffs, both permanent way. and workshops, which would suggest that detection of defects in- both under-carriage and railroad tracks is not' as thorough as this factor demands. It is evident' to any observant person that on many stretches of otyr railroad track the sleepers rest upon 'strata that is susceptible to movement, especially during long periods of constant rainfall, which may be contributory to derailment, increasingly so ■if ■ speed is not restricted and cautiously observed. In conclusion, I would'suggest that speed limits through the ' electrified Tawa Flat tunnels should be reviewed in the light of the slogan "Safety first" and that the "please explain" in respect to late arrival be somewhat modified.— I am, etc., . C. BOWDEN. Linden, Tawa Flat, Sept. 30.