ENGINE-DRIVERS' DUTIES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 224, 21 September 1907, Page 5

ENGINE-DRIVERS' DUTIES.

A STATEMENT DENIED

WELLINGTON, Sept. 21. A statement made before the South Island Railway Appeal Board at Riverton, that if drivers were slow or too cautious they were reduced in pay, was brought before the Railway. Department by a Post reporter today. The Department states that the position was not correctly put by Mr Thomas, counsel for ex-Driver Smith. The responsible officers of the Department have no knowledge that a breach of rule 74 has been taking place as a matter of custom, and they do not believe that the enginemen of the service? who know full well, that severe punishment must overtake them, would deliberately and as a matter of custom commit a breach of one of the most vital rules of the service. The offence committed by Smith was governed by rules in operation at that time. Smith, not only passed the signal at "danger" in contravention of rule 74, but he did this at such a speed that he was unable to stop his train even with the aid of the Westinghouse break, and a collision re-^ suited.

The Department absolutely denies the statement that if drivers were slow or too cautious they were reduced in gay. No member of the service has ever been punished for acting in a manner calculated to ensure the public safety, and a considerable number have been highly commended and rewarded for promptitude in cases of urgency.