D.—3

dynamometer car experiments made elsewhere. These are not laboratory experiments, but service tests carried out under controlled conditions, and the results have been successfully employed for enginerating and similar problems. They are believed to be, therefore, a fair basis for estimating, within the limits of practical operation, performances that may reasonably be expected under ordinary service conditions. We also submit a diagram showing deceleration curves for (a) the engine and leading car and (6) the remainder of the train, from the time of derailment of the engine until they came to rest. GENERAL. We desire to express our appreciation of the very able assistance that we received throughout the inquiry from Mr. H. F. O'Leary, K.C., and Mr. F. W. Aickin for the Railways Department, and Mr. G. G. G. Watson for the New Zealand Engine-drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association. The fact that the Association was represented by counsel made it possible for the fullest and most searching investigation to be undertaken. We desire to thank the General Manager of the Railways Department and his staff for the facilities placed at our disposal, and for the readiness with which all information for which we asked was supplied. Our thanks are due also to Mr. J. G. Whetton, who acted as Secretary to the Board. His duties were onerous and were performed with unfailing efficiency and courtesy. We desire also to place on record our appreciation of the courtesy of the Commissioner of Police, who made available to us the statements and information collected by the police after the accident. Section 63 (6) of the Government Railways Act, 1926, empowers the Board, if it thinks it proper to do so, to direct the payment of costs. We fix the costs to be paid by the Crown to the New Zealand Engine-drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association at 150 guineas. We return herewith your warrant of 28th March, 1938, together with the respective warrants extending the date on or before which we were required to report. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servants, (Sgd.) F. Y. Fbazer, Chairman^ (Sgd.) F. W. Furkert, Member !> Board of Inquiry. (Sgd.) H. L. Cole, Member j

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