THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13648, 16 January 1908, Page 6

THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

IS THE SPEED DANGEROUS?

COMPLAINT BY MR. WILFORD.

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Wellington , Wednesday. Mb. Wilforu, M.P. for Hutt, returned from. Auckland via the Main Trunk route. Speaking to a Post reporter, he said, "I must enter an emphatic protect against the dangerous rate of speed at which the train travels. The track is a most dangerous one. It is laid with an entire absence of wliat are knovjm as transition curves on the descent of the line to Taumarunui. To show the class of country, let me tell you that on one occasion nine acres of land slipped into the river, and yet the train travels down that slope at the rate of 40 miles an hour. The curves are awkward and I do not exaggerate when I say that it was impossible with the tremendous jerks made at corners for anyone to retain his foothold on the carriage platforms. Passengers are bumped about from side to side, end luggage is pitched about in the guard's van in an alarming fashion. " I believe representations have been made to the Government by men who should know against the rate of speed upon this portion of the line. One highlyqualified man whom I questioned on the subject admitted to me that the construction of this portion of the line, unless altered, would one day be responsible for a very serious accident. I intend to bring this matter up before Parliament, and try to get that enginedriver's speed considerably reduced. Ido not blame him, for he is, no doubt, acting on instructions. I cannot imagine a man, except under orders, wilfully taking his life in his hands."