SEDDON DRIVER'S MIDLAND LINE EXPERIENCE

Grey River Argus, 2 April 1948, Page 5

SEDDON DRIVER'S MIDLAND LINE EXPERIENCE

The witness Binstead stated that Gurr had performed 148 days oi what was termed “advanced capacity” work as an enginer-driver before his transfer to Kaikoura, and 163 days up to the day before the accident. He had driven seven goods trains north of Kaikoura attei nis transfer there, three of which haa -assed during daylight hours over the curve where the accident occurred. The records showed Gurr had an all round grounding in train operating, and had driven trains ot heavy tonnage with the most powerful engine, the “KB” over one of tne mosi severe testing grounds, Spring-field-Arthur’s Pass. Such trains were much heavier and more difficult to control than the passenger express train lik P No. 104. In his opinion, said witness, satisfactory performance with such trains over that difficult section, with its steep grades, sharp curves and various speed restruction areas, indicated that Gurr did not lack capacity as an enginedriver. The class of train he had handled 56 times on that section would make heavier demands on his ability and knowledge than would be the case in running trains like No. 104. While stationed at Ward from April 1938 to June 1939, Gurr had worked as a fireman for 188 days during which time his'.running was over the section which included that where the accident occurred. In this period, he would have obtained an intimate knowledge? of the track.