The Sun TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1927. THE LEVEL CROSSING AGAIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 237, 27 December 1927, Page 10

The Sun TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1927. THE LEVEL CROSSING AGAIN

TWICE within the course of one week has the danger of the level-crossing- been manifested in a shocking- manner. These tragedies, following as they did upon an almost endless list of similar occurrences, should have occasioned the railway authorities thoughts well calculated to disturb their equanimity. It may be hoped that it has given them a determination to deal with the peril in a prompt and efficient manner and to abandon the methods of procrastination that have hitherto marked their policy in regard to this ever-present menace to life. On Saturday Auckland was shocked by the details of a tragedy at the Argyle Street crossing, Morningside, whereby a woman was killed in most horrible fashion and a boy critically injured. On Monday the people of Otago were similarly shocked by the killing of two men on a crossing at Waitahuna. Knowing the continual danger of these crossings, there are few who do not feel trepidation whenever they think of the heavy traffic at this time of the year; few who would be surprised to learn, at any moment, of the smashing of a large motor-bus and the slaughter of a merry band of picnickers. It is an apprehension that should not be forced upon the minds of citizens and a situation which has no right to exist. Particularly dangerous are,those crossings situated in thick centres of population, where a view of the line is obscured by buildings. Of such type is the Argyle* Street crossing, where Mrs. Brittain was killed on Saturday. Only a little over a week prior to this fatality a motor-lorry, containing five passengers, was struck by a train at this spot. Three of the passengers were seriously injured. There had previously been a number of accidents at the same spot. So notorious is the Argyle Street crossing danger that it is amazing it has for so long been tolerated. There is heavy traffic along the thoroughfare that crosses the line, and, notwithstanding- that houses shut out the view of the railway track until the traveller comes right upon it, the only warning is that of a couple of signposts, with the word “Stop”—signs which might easily escape notice until a vehicle is right upon them and unable to pull up in time to avoid destruction. The crossing is rendered additionally dangerous by the fact that trains from Auckland run down a decline to Morningside, and their approach is almost noiseless. There is smash after smash, and death after death, at level crossings all over the Dominion, and the only reply made by the railway authorities to the charge of culpability is that the crossings are made “as safe as possible,” that victims have not exercised “reasonable care,” or that there are not funds available to replace crossings with bridges. Where they have been reproached by local bodies after a fatality, they have argued that the responsibility is as much that of the local bodies as of the Hallways Department. One or two of the most dangerous crossings have been replaced by bridges ; hundreds which can reasonably be deemed dangerous remain to take toll of life. It is high time something was done to alter such an inexcusable situation. The lives of citizens should be set above the mere consideration of the cost of safety. The only way to remove the deadly peril of the crossing, in urban areas at least, is to remove the crossing. The question must be dealt with without further delay. Local bodies with crossings in their areas should approach the railway authorities and demand an immediate conference to discuss the danger and thrash to finality the question of establishing safety.