SHUNTING RISKS

Evening Star, Issue 19019, 14 August 1925, Page 11

SHUNTING RISKS

WHY NOT PUBLIC INQUIRY? fE'BOM Otra Pariiamintaet Reports®,l WELLINGTON, August 13. When the member for P.almerston North asked an urgent question of the Prime Minister regarding a shunting fatality in Palmerston calling attention to the coroner’s criticisms of the yard, Mr Poland interjected; Do you want a public inquiry?” Mr Nash repliedi “I have not asked for anything.” , , . The Prime Minister, referring to the coroner’s strictures, said he did not know if this gentleman was an expert, but he must take notice of his remarks, and the Shunting Inquiry Board would at once visit Palmerston North and take evidence publicly. The object of the inquiry was to see if a solution could be got for reducing shunting dangers, and he assured the House that the Government would pay careful attention to the recommendations of the board. Mr Forbes: Why not make the inquiry public? Mr Coates: I think it quite unnecessary, because the board is going all over New Zealand, and many of its investigations are of technical interest only. ; ' Mr Nash: How long will the bad conditions continue at Palmerston? Mr Coates: The bon. member wants to know when the new railway yard is to be constructed. That is worth another question. He knew there was congestion at Palmerston, but he would not say it was the worst yard in New Zealand. Mr Masters: If yon have a public inquiry at Palmerston, why not everywhere? The Prime Minister repeated that it would not be of interest, as so much was technical. What he was more interested in was that the board would make recommendations which would be of service ’ to the department and men, A public inquiry would not get them anywhere. What he wanted was a solution of the difficulty. A question was tabled by Mr Veitch to the Minister of Railways inquiring whether he would add to the order of reference of the Shunting Board the question whether the recent shortening of the Westinghouse brake hose has increased the danger of shunting operations.