ROTORUA RAILWAY ACCIDENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13999, 4 September 1907, Page 5

ROTORUA RAILWAY ACCIDENT

MAGISTERIAL, INQUIRY CLOSED. (Per United.Ebms Association.)

t , . AUCKLAND, September 3. Acting Guard Dwyer, who was examined at tho'Rotorua.'train accklent inquiry today, said,that liedidiiafc know the engines were untoupled until ho was pulled out of tho- wreckage. ."'■■'.'' Mr Prendergast, who appeared for the Bailway Department, said that on the conclusion ,of tho. taking 'of ovidenco there were three questions—firstly, as to whether, as stated, a test was made of the Wcstinghouso brake at Putaruru; secondly, wneth.er-.tho.evidenco.of the engine-drivers as to what happened on tho incline ae to the-application of the brakes and the steps taken for tho's&fory of the train was correct; and thirdly, assuming that the test had been' made and that the drivers had done their dutv on the incline, what .was the "probable cause of tho train running away. Mr ; Prendergast then proceeded ■ to review tho evidence, contending that the officials had not taken certain neoeseary, precautions, and that, by thoir complying,with the departmental regulations'the'accident would have boon averted ...Ho suggested that tho most probable cause of tho accident was that the VS'estinghouse brake was not properly applied on the incline.

Mr Baume,. on belialf of the men, said ho considered that the. most reasonable explanation of the accident was that a cock' wais interfered with at ■ Ngatira; it having been "stated- by sevoraj witnesses that Maori children were playing on tlio train there and passing between the carriages.. . . , . '

Mr Kcttlo then declared the inquiry dosed, , and said ho- would forward his report to tho Minister of ■ Railways as early as possible. .'•'•.