MISHAP TO LIMITED

Evening Star, Issue 19326, 12 August 1926, Page 4

MISHAP TO LIMITED

RAILWAY DEPARTMENT'S PR* CAUTIONS “ EVERYTriIXt HUMANLY POSSIBLE '’ [From Ode Parliamentary Reporter} WELLINGTON, August 11. “So far as the human mind can guarantee safety, I do not think I am exaggerating in saying that the Limited is as safe as any other train,” declared the Prime Minister, when ne was questioned regarding the derailment of the Wellington-Auckland Limited express near Johnsonville last night.

The Railway Department, he said, took the precaution that it only allowed well-known firms to tender for axles, and the specification for the material in the axle was laid down, he understood, according to the standard formula. Then the axles were tested, and if an accident occurred an inquiry was held, which not only dealt with the accident itself, but, so far as the department could go, with the staff and the chemical advice at their disposal. It made a thorough inquiry. “I am not just saying there is a® inquiry,” continued the Prime Minister, “ but all evidence possible, from a technical and any other point of view, is collected, and any expression of opinion from outside is obtained, and investigation made by officers who are qualified to give a reply. How much further we can go I am not able to say—more than this, that we are endeavoring to strengthen that side of the department (the testing and the chemical side). We have a laboratory which we are building up in such a way that I sincerely trust that the public will feel confidence that we are trying no experiments, and that the department applies all the science and knowledge it possesses, not only in New Zealand, hut from other parts of the world, for the safety of passengers.” The accident occurred after the train had surmounted the grade and was ou the run down, and from statements ho had received it was not running at an excessive speed when the axle of the first carriage broke. “ Will you submit the broken axle to the Canterbury Engineering School?” asked Sir John Luke. “ There is no objection,” replied tha Prime Minister. “As a matter of fact the department is working in close association with the Canterbury Engi neering School.”