TRAIN TRAGEDY

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 24 September 1925, Page 5

TRAIN TRAGEDY

MORE ABOUT SPEED.

CONSTITUTION OF ENQUIRY.

PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT

FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER, WELLINGTON, Sept. 23,

Two questions relating to the accident to the Napier mail train were answered by the Prime Minister, in Parliament to-day. The first-h related to the speed of the train Mr. Mellvride, member for Napier, reminded the'House-that'state, menbs had been made by passengers on the train that they noticed the terrific speed attained between Waipukurau and 0-papa. He wished to know whether, in the shortening" of the time of this train, instructions regarding speed were issued to the engine-drivers to increase the travelling speed, and would the Minister, in the interests of public safety, have suelf instructions countermanded. “I don’t want to tallo around ‘ this question,’’ replied Mr. Coates. “The traffic branch carefully goes into the question of speeds as they affect the grades and curves, and tli-e locomotive branch also looks into this carefully. In addition, an engine-driver may at any time raise ■ the question It is not at all .uncommon and it very often happens in redesigning service on extra speed, that it may possibly happen that the .secretary of the locomotive association expresses his views, which, I take it, would be the views of the drivers themselves. At the moment I can’t say whether the-train was travelling at an excessive speed. We have the statements of passengers, whether right or wrong I am not able to say. All I can say is that definite instructions .are given that time is not to he made up except on 'certain pieces of line, and in no case is an engineer taken to task for lost time if it means going beyond safe speed regulations, which clearly lay down the speed at which a train must take certain curves.” AN OFFICIAL INQUIRY.

It was suggested by Mr. McKay, member for Hawke’s Bay, that the inquiry into the cause of the accident be held by disinterested experts, and that the Minister give instructions that all materials in connection with the track and train be preserved in their present condition until they could be thoroughly examined by the .tribunal. He- also urged that immediate instructions he issued to reduce the speed of trains on the Te Aute section, in .view of the fact that- this is the second occasion on which, a train has been derailed in that locality. The Prime Minister explained that the board of inquiry which would be set up under the- terms of the Railway Act would consist of a magistrate, as chairman, and all engineer who was not a member of the Railway Department, and who probbaly had never been in the service of the Department, and this time there would he an independent member altogether, someone who would represent the public. Previous inquiries had been . held by a president and two engineers. “On this occasion, I think that if we can get the man we want we should widen the scope of the inquiry by allowing some member, not an expert railwayman, on the board.” The Minister assured the House that the wreckage would not .be interfered With, excepting to the extent of clearing the railway track. The question of speed must enter into the inquiry. Mr McKay: “This is the second time a train lias been derailed .about this point.” Mr. Coates: “That will, of course, come out in evidence. I am quite agreeable to reducing speed, if speed is a factor. We do not know the real cause; and no doubt the fireman and driver will be able to give a good deal of information on the question of speed.’ ’ .