MOTOR-BUS SAFETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18889, 11 December 1924, Page 11

MOTOR-BUS SAFETY.

INSPECTION OF THE BRAKES.

SHOULD BE MORE FREQUENT.

EARNING BY MAGISTRATE.

SEQUEL TO AN ACCIDENT.

The necessity for frequent official inspection of the running gear of motoromnibuses was emphasised by Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday, when a sequel to the recent runaway bus accident in Wellesley Street was heard.

Joseph Rimmer and W. C. Warwick were charged with being the drivers of a motor vehiclo with inefficient brakes. Rimmer, the owner of the bus, pleaded not guilty, the other defendant, who was driving at the time of tho accident, pleading "guilty under provocation." Sergeant Rowcll said the bus was proceeding up Wellesley Street on the evenin"- of November 13. Rimmer was in the vehiclo and Warwick was at the wheeL There were a number of passengers. About half-way up the hill tho engine stopped, and the bus ran backwards, turned into Rutland Street, and was brought to a stop by colliding with a wall

"No one was injured, and it was more good luck than good management," added tho sergeant. C. Bland, motor inspector to tho Auckland City Council, said he examined Rimmer's bus after the accident. Tho footbrake used in regular service was useless. The brake band-lining was practically nil worn away and only tho metal surfaces remained. Tho hand, or emergency brake, was lined, but was out of adjustment and incapablo of effective pressure. The ratchet on the lever was worn and to apply what little press cue the brake may have delivered, tho driver would have to hold it in engagement with his hand.

"Not Inspected for Six MontLf." Witness thought tho bus had not been inspected for six months, _ although it was possible for such a vehicle to cover 1000 miles in a week. Mr. Poynton: There should be moro frequent inspection. The wear on brakes is rapid and they should surely be examined moro than onco in six months. Witness said that inspections were made as frequently as possible. The onus to keep tho gear in order was on the owner of a vehicle.

Mr, Poynton: There should be two or three more inspectors to supervise these omnibuses. If tho owner is careless, tho public is in danger and unless owners are kept in order they will be negligent. Sergeant Rowell remarked tKat negligence on the part of a motor-bus proprietor was punishable. Mr. Poysnton: Yes, but they will take the risk of that if not kept under strict

supervision. Sergeant Caldwell also deposed that; tho brakes had been useless. Constable Belcher said Warwick . had made a written statement that ho had taken charge of the bus in the evening to relievo the regular driver. He had been proceeding up Wellesloy Street when the benzino supply failed and tho brakes proved useless. Warwick had told witness that after tho bus had come to a stop Rimmer said: "Fill up with benzine and get away quickly."

Question of Responsibility. Rimmer stated in evidence that tho brakes had been relined three weeks prior to tho accident. The bus was fivo years old and weighed ever five tons loaded. He considered the driver should be responsible for adjustment of the brakes. He had tested the bus in Grafton Road after the accident and the brakes seemed to hold on a steep c;rade. Warwick stated he had not driven the bus for a month prior to tho day of the accident. When he took charge the former driver told him the brakes were not very good. Witness mentioned this to Rimmer, who replied: "Carry on, but drive slowly." Sergeant Rowell said he had been advised that omnibuses should be submitted for inspection once every three months, but that Rimmer neglected to send his buses for examination.

Mr. Poynton: The council should insist on more frequent inspection. It may be a matter of life and death, and is more important than the enforcing of noxious weed destruction and similar regulations. The owner was to blame, as ho was travelling on the bus, whilo the driver was called on because of an emergency. The case against Warwick was dismissed. Rimmer submitted the charge referred to him as the "driver" of the bus and thus was net applicable to him. Mr. Poynton commer.ted on the technicality of this point, and reserved decision.