COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 86, 12 April 1938, Page 6

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

INVESTIGATIONS OPENED SCENE OF ACCIDENT INSPECTED The three commissioners appointed by the Railways Department to investigate the cause of the recent tragic railway accident at Ratana, involving and excursion train from Wellington to New Plymouth, arrived in Wanganui yesterday afternoon by special train.

The train, which consisted of two cars and a van. left Wellington at 9.30 a.m. On arriving at Ratana, the commissioners spent about threequarters of an hour inspecting the scene of the accident in company with officers of the department, who accompanied them on the train. When they arrived in Wanganui, the members of the commission w'ere taken to J the railway workshops at East Town, where an inspection w r as made of the carriages and engine which were involved in the accident.

The personnel of the commission is Sir Francis Frazer (chairman), and Messrs F. W. Furkert and H. L. Cole. The order of reference for the enquiry, w'hich opens at Wanganui tomorrow morning for the hearing of technical evidence, is as follows: — (1) What was the cause of the derailment?

(2) Was any employee in the service of the Government Railways Department guilty of any dereliction of duty which directly or indirectly contributed to the derailment? (3) Generally, are there any circumstances in connection with the derailment which call for comment, particularly in respect of the rolling stock and the permanent way in the locality of the derailment? () What steps, if any, should be

taken to prevent a similar derailment?

The board has to submit its report' not later than April 30. ▼

In announcing the board of inquiry, the Minister ot Railways, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, said the personnel had been selected because of their practical experience of railway undertakings and because of their particular ability to investigate and report to the Govthe circumstances of the unfortunate accident. At the enquiry the Railways Department will be represented by Messrs H. F. O’Leary, K.C., and F. W. Aicken (railway law officer). Mr G. G. Watson will appear on behalf of the Engine Drivers’ Firemen’s and Cleaners' Association and the driver of the train, Mr E. Percival.

To-day will be spent in making preparations for the enquiry which, after technical evidence has been taken tomorrow, will be adjourned to Wellington and re-open on April 26.