RAILWAY MATTERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15827, 28 July 1913, Page 2

RAILWAY MATTERS.

MANUFACTURE OF ROLLING STOCK. THE PETROL LOCOMOTIVES. (Feb United Phess Association.) CHRISTCH.URCH, July 27. A railway official speaking to a Tcportcr yesterday said that there was a tremendous press of work in all Government workshops at the present time. Big 90ton locomotives were being constructed at the Addington shops which, when finished, would' be sent up to the Taihape-Taunia-runui sections of the Main Trunk line. Eight 45-ton tank engines had also been constructed for the month, and since April 1 they had been going away at the rate of one a month. Trucks were also being made in large quantities, the sizes being 8 and 12 ton four-wheeled wagons, and 30-ton bogie trucks, and these should relieve the shortage.

Referring to the level-crossing danger, the railway men stated that in all probability the department would seriously consider the "erecting of automaticallyoperated warning bells at all such dangerous places; but it was doubtful if such action would be taken until an Act of Parliament was passed which would exonerate the Railway Department from any liability from claims of damages should accidents arise through tihc warning devices -failing to act for any reason.

The gentleman further stated that it would not be long now before the passenger petrol locomotives would arrive in the dominion. These locomotives, which with their carriage were all self-contained, were intended for use upon branch lines where the traffic hardly warranted, incurring the expenses of running the ordinary trains. On what particular lines the new type of engine would be run has not yet been decided, and would probably no't be known until the new general manager had investigated the whole matter.