AUCKLAND TRAMWAY COLLISION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 5164, 4 January 1904, Page 5

AUCKLAND TRAMWAY COLLISION.

EXPERT EVIDENCE. PHKSS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, January 3. At. tho tramway accident inquiry evidence was given by Colin Joseph Stich'bury, conductor of the combination car. Ho said be felt tbo application Of tbo emergency brake, but bis car bad '.not stopped. When tbo collision occurcd witness was thrown in tbo passage way. Semo of tbo passengers ivont out of tho doors and somo out- of f;ho windows. Ho did not leave till a/1 'the others wore out.

Alfred Thrussell, motor inspector for (ho Tramway Company, said bo remembered Humphreys speaking to him about tbo double-decker brakes on December 2-ltli. Humphreys said the brakes would not release well. He then saw the ratchet brakes release, and tested tbo track-brakes by kicking them. He said tho brakes wore releasing all right. He could not account for the ratchet not releasing on the loop. Tho accident happened ou tho third trip niter examination.

0. It. Vickorman, engineer for the 'Public Works Department, was examined in reference to the plan of the grades on tho section where tho collision occurred. Before the line was opened for traflia ho examined the brakes, on tho ‘are, and was thoroughly satisfied as to their efficiency. Ho was still satisfied I hat tbo brake power was sufficient, tie had no reason to alter his opinion, vhich was rather confirmed than otherwise. Tho brakes, when properly used. Worked well. Ho would like to sco moro stringent rules for the examination of inotormon.

J. O. Turner, traffic inspector to the City Council, gave evidence as to tho issue of licenses to conductors and molonnen. The responsibility for competency rested on tho company. Tho Council made no test.