SHUNTING INQUIRY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 10096, 8 September 1925, Page 6

SHUNTING INQUIRY

FURTHER EVIDENCE AT PALMERSTON NORT H. rPUERR ASSOCIATION,. PALMERSTON N., Sept. 7. The shunting enquiry was continued this morning. i Michael Shimvin, senior, goods foreman, said he arranged the hours and duties of the Palmerston shod and yard staff, and exercised general supervision of the yard. The foreman came under his immediate control. He deemed it to be quite a satisfactory arrangement. Following the evidence of Chief Foreman Sliinkwin, the Department’s representative called Detect!vo-Sergt. Quirke, who deposed to an investigation into the loss of goods from the railway sheds at various times. The police would have been helpless witb--1 out the assistance of the foremen and of Foreman Sweeney particularly. Signalman George Newton gave technical evidence and suggested improvements in the yards. The last wi tress to-day was John Joseph O’Shea, stat’onmnster, who said the deceased shunter, Carmichael, was above the ordinary intelligence and would not allow the foreman to harass him without a protest. None had been made to witness. Foreman De Rosa, in witness’ opinion, was in no way responsible Hr the-fatality. After careful inquiries he was unable to find evidence of any shunter being killed at Palmerston North for twen-ty-five years prior to the two recent fatalities. It was incorrect for one previous witness to state that on an average 4000, waggons went through the yard dai-Iv. - The" exact average Was i 1.63. Witness always gladly received recommendations, and had told the men ho would adjust local matters if possible, but otherwise would refer them to the district manager. He believed the reason for the attitude of the staff at present was their losing the 44-hour week and extra night rates. At no station except Wellington on special ’’occasions were there three qualified men in a gang Witness admitted he had received two complaints from shunters about the harassing methods of the foremen. An interesting test was made in the yards during the day when it was , found a rake of waggons with ore brake down attained a speed of .18 miles an hour. This was made jis a test of the statement made by Foreman Sweeney, that in such circumstances it should and could, not attain more than three miles an hour, and of various other .witness that twentyfive miles could be reached. The inquiry was adjourned.