Taramakau Bridge Safety : New System Proposed

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 October 1948, Page 4

Taramakau Bridge Safety : New System Proposed

Strong opposition to the proposal that the keeper at the Taramakau combined rail and traffic bridge should be withdrawn and replaced by a system of warning signals, operated automatically by approaching rail traffic, was expressed by members of the council of the West Coast branch of the Automobile Association, Canterbury, at their meeting at Greymouth last night.

A letter was received from the Railways Department, through the stationmaster at Greymouth, asking the opinion of the council on the proposal. It was pointed out that the warning signals would be operated by track circuits three-quarters' of a mile on either side of the bridge. How long would it take the railcar to travel three-quarters of a mile? asked Mr E. McDonnell, when the letter was read. The secretary (Mr W. F. Harley): Not too long. Mr Harley added that he had noticed that it had been =stated previously that the speed of rail-cars was brought down to six miles per hour crossing bridges where there were no keepers, but he could not believe that was right—it was more like 15 to 20 miles per hour. The proposal, in his opinion, was a very serious matter. Although they might have delays where there was a bridge keeper, lives might be saved. Safety-First Principle “We moan at delays, but it is better to save lives,” said Mr B. W. Caulton, in expressing the opinion that it would not be wise to replace the bridge keeper with a warning device. “It is a very dangerous bridge,” commented Mr Harley. After some further discussion on the possible effects of the proposed change, it was decided to advise the Railways Department that the council was not in favour of it. Councillors were also critical of the action of motorists who failed to join the association and ‘rode on the backs Replying to a question, Mr Harley said that since July last 53 members had joined the association m the West Coast area, including 41 “signed up by the patrol officer, Mr J. Chapman. “That is quite good,” commented Mr E W. Green (Hokitika). Mr Harley: Yet there are quite a lot of motorists riding on the backs of A.A. members. I don’t know what their conscience is like when they see what has been done for them by the association. „ In reply to other questions, Mr Harley said that the “wastage” last year on account of resignations, deaths and transfers was 109. There were now about 1500 members on the West Coast and the total membership of the association was 16397. . . Mr Green said that he would like co congratulate Mr Chapman on the work he was doing. He had been a great benefit to the association. Franz Josef Hostel

Replying to the council’s representations concerning the rebuilding of the annexe at the Franz Josef Hostel, the Tourist Department advised that it was anxious to proceed with the work but it had been unable to get the consent of the Building Controller to undertake the building. The chairman (Mr G. R. Harker) said he thought the council should do something in the matter itself. Perhaps it might ask the building controller to grant the necessary permit. Mr Harley said he understood that the department had plans for a big concrete building but it would be many years before that would be possible. As there was timber on the site, it would be more preferable for some immediate action to be taken. The chairman said that members would have noticed that the Motor Traders’ Association proposed to hold its next conference at Franz Josef and it was likely that there would be other big conferences there. It was important to the district that sufficient accommodation should be available. On the motion of Messrs Caulton and McDonnell, it was decided to request the building controller to grant a permit for the rebuilding of the annexe and to point out that the necessary timber was available. Several members referred to what they considered a dangerous break in a handrail on the Arahura combined rail and traffic bridge and it was decided to write to the Railways Department asking that the necessary repairs be affected and also that attention be given to loose running planks on the same bridge.

Replying to a question by Mr McDonnell, Mr Chapman said he understood that the Grey County Council had everything in readiness to proceed with the improvements to the Blackball road turn-off at Ngahere.