THE SPEED OF TRAINS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12242, 16 June 1909, Page 7

THE SPEED OF TRAINS

A CHARGE AGAINST THE

DEPARTMENT

(Per It-ess Association.)

DUNEDIN, June 14. The speed of the Otago Central Rail, way trains was discussed at the sitting of the Railway Appeal Board this morning. The appeal was by engine-driver H. Woodhead, who had been reduced n> position and pay for having run a train at an excessive speed on the Otago Central line on December 24. A McK-o. who appeared on behalf of appeal nt, said that by verbal instructions a..tl Lsy telephone, engine-drivers were niduoea to run trains at an excessive ?p ;e 1 on the Otago Central line. If thu driver did not do so, the result was unfavorable to him as he was removed to susr.e shunting or ballast train engine. The Chairman (Judge Haselden) said all the engine-drivers have to do was 'to say, "We shall run according to regulation, in spite of verbal instructions from anyone."

Mr. > McKie said that, that had been tried, but one had been sent away ;n a ballast train.

Kis Honor: "I hope your statement will be fully reported in the Railway Review, you must not think that 1 a:a taking them all in." . Mr. Davidson (representing tW Tcpartment) said that for Mr. McKie's own sake he would give him opportunity to withdraw the statement.

Mr. McKie said that he could bring proof of what he stated. His Honor: "You are making a very serious charge, and I hope it will not be allowed to rest at this Appeal Board. A charge like this is of* too grave a character to make. Your charge is that engine-drivers are forced to' break regulations, and if they will not break re gulations, they are removed from their positions." r '.--..

Mr. McKie: "Quite so. We can prove that."

His Honor: "That is a statement I certainly would not believe unless it was proved."

~ Mr. Davidson said Mr. McKie had made a very wild statement to which he would give a most emphatic denial voi behalf of the Department.