■H.—3B

6

It was mentioned in evidence that motormen, on finding the sand-punches deficient on cars about to be taken out, were in the habit of removing this article from other cars, and, as they are not interchangeable throughout the whole of the cars, it sometimes occurred that non-fitting ones were obtained. The Commission considers that it is the duty of the car-shed foreman to examine and see that every car is in running-condition before handing it over to a motorman. The tramway manager, in order to show that the company was endeavouring to improve the maintenance of the cars, handed in the attached copies of foreman's reports. 9.- In conclusion, we desire to acknowledge the assistance given to us during the inquiry by the officials and employees of the Auckland Tramway Company, the Auckland Tramway Employees' Union, and by Mr. H. Leah, car-shed superintendent of the Wellington Electric Tramways, and the courtesy and ability shown by them throughout. Mr. L. M. Shera ably and satisfactorily discharged the duties of secretary, and Mr. Jarret those of reporter to the Commission. Given under our hands and seals, at Wellington, this thirteenth day of August, one thousand nine hundred and eight. R. W. Holmes. Stuart Richardson. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,500 copies), £2 10s.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oB.

Price 6d.