THE RAKAIA DISASTER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11397, 14 April 1899, Page 5

THE RAKAIA DISASTER.

(Fee United Pbess Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, April 13. _ At the Police Court to-day Charles Henry Carter was charged with manslaughter in connection with the Rakaia railway disaster. Evidence taken at the inquest on the victims was 4-ead over, and in the course of cross-examination P. Mather deposed that he uuderstood-Carter to say that if he had had a train's length he could have pulled up. Carter might have- eaid a, chain's length.

William Kempson; guard of the second train, deposed to the brakes being in good order.

A. L. Beattie, locomotive engineer, said he had the engine examined after the collision, and found the brakes in perfect working order. According to the times given the pace between Chertsey and Rakaiu would be at the rate of 45 miles per hour. Seeing that the train had to stop at> Rakaia, and, if necessary, perhaps out-side the station limits, the' pace was excessive. The mere pace of 46 miles per hour was not unsafe, but, in view of the conditions under which they had to work, and according to the rule,'that the driver must be prepared to come to a stand outside the station limits, witness considered that the pace wag excessive and unsafe.

After other witnesses had been examined, thr; accused reserved his defence, and was committed for trial, the bail being renewed.