LEVEL CROSSING DANGER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21882, 18 August 1934, Page 15

LEVEL CROSSING DANGER

CONCERN OF MOTORISTS RAILWAYS BOARD ATTITUDE [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] s NAPIER, Friday "Very little has been done in New Zealand this year in the direction of improving the visibility at level crossings, and still less has been * done toward eliminating these danger spots," said the president of the North Island Motor Union, Mr. W. A. O'Callaglian, at the opening of the annual conference to-day. Worse than that, he added, was the recent an- '> nouncement by the chairman of the Railways Board, Mr. H. H. Sterling, that the elimination of level crossings was 110 concern of tbo Railway Department, but a matter for the local authorities. "Had the railways in New Zealand been privately owned, level crossings would never have been tolerated, but because they are run by the State, not only are they permitted, but we find 1 the Railways Board making the declaration 1 have referred to," said Mr. OX'allaghan. "Some years ago it was agreed / that the cost of the elimination of level crossings should be borne proportionately by the Railway Department., the Main Highways Board and tne local roading authority. This seemed to be a fair arrangement, and it is difficult to understand why the Railway Department should suddenly experience this change of heart."