THE LATE ACCIDENT AT WAITAKEREI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6097, 2 June 1881, Page 3

THE LATE ACCIDENT AT WAITAKEREI.

TO THE EDITOK. Sir, —In reading your report of the inquest on the young man Lloyd, the following questions arose in my mind : 1. Why was not Mr. Taylor required to explain why screw brakes were unworkable on ballast trains? 2. Why were not some experts got from the railway department to give evidence as to the suitability of the lever brakes for the purpose for which deceased was using them (they certainly were never designed to be used for that purpose), and if screw brakes could bo used on ballast trains. 3. Why was the jury not taken and shown carriages fitted with both kind of brakes, so that they could exercise their own judgment in the matter ; likewise shown the hazardous nature of the deceased's work, by some person being required to perform it in their presence ? When coroner's inquests are not full and complete they cease to bo a protection, and become a bane to society, as they arc a stumbling-block in the way of further inquiry. There were twelve miles of line to ballast; it is about three parts ballasted. Two men are already killed from the purely hazardous nature of their employment, yet the jury arc satisfied with the assertions of a decidedly interested person (their employer) that there is no remedy. That these brakes are used all over New Zealand is no reason they should continue to be, if they can be superseded by something safer, but quite the reverse. Hoping there is sufficient public spirit in Auckland to see to the bottom of this matter. -I am, &c, Humanitarian.