TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILWAY

Evening Star, Issue 15907, 13 September 1915, Page 3

TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILWAY

AN ALLEGED SCANDAL. Startling allegations have been submitted to the Federal Government in connection with the construction of the Kalgoorlie to Port Augusta railway. Unlike many statements of the kind, they are supported by a sworn affidavit, and on that account are regarded much more seriously than they might otherwise have been. They were discussed in a- preliminary way at a brief meeting of the caucus recently. One of the most serious charges relates to the administration of the stores branch of the railway. It is alleged in this connection that the management has been so lax that a shortage of material valued at no less a sum than £BO,OOO has been, discovered. Members find it difficult to believe that such a tremendous leakage is possible, but in view of the fact that the allegation is made on oath, it is recognised that an inquiry is urgently necessary. Another .grave assertion is that a length of about 200 miles of trade has been wrongly laid, and that to remedy the fault all the rails over this distance will have to be put down afresh. In its present condition this particular section of the line is said to be absolutely unsafe. The locomotives and rolling stock already in service are said to be fitted with insufficient brakes, and that as a result there is an ever-present danger to life and limb. It is also asserted that the supervision over the employees is so irregular that gangs of men have been sent to carry out certain works, and have afterwards been forgotten. The Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Archibald), who visited Adelaide at the week end, is understood to have made some inquiries as to the truth of the allegations, and it is expected that he will make a detailed statement to the caucus to-day. Unless he has a very effective reply to the assertions made, it is likely that the caucus will authorise an immediate investigation.