CONFLICT DENIED.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14979, 28 May 1914, Page 2

CONFLICT DENIED.

MATTER OF A SPECIAL TRAIN

(rREM ASSOCIATION TELEOBI& WELLINGTON, May 27

With reference to the telegram from Chratchurch complaining ot" delay in conveying a man injured on the railbetween Bealey and Cass, the suggestion being that the delay was due to an official conflict between the Railways and Public Works Departments, the Railway Department makes the following official reply: — "When the first application for a special train to convey the man to Christchurch was made, it was only for "a train from Case to Springfield. It was intended to convey him to Christchurch by mo-tor-car, but on arrival at Springfield, it was found that his condition would not allow of his going by motor-car, and he was therefore taken on by the special train. The first intimation the railway authorities at Christchurch received wa3 from Cass at 7.56 p.m. That was a request for a special from Cass to Springfield for an" injured Public Works' employee. It r was stated that the Public Works engine and van were available if it was decided to use them. The van in question was what was known as a ballast plough van, used for construction works oiily, and had" been on the extension for a considerable time without being examined by the Department and it was considered unsafe, to be used; Arrangements were immediately made to use the Springfield engine and van. The gangers were sent ahead to make a special iitspection of x the line between Otarama and Avoca, on which, owing to the incline on the line, restrictions have been imposed, and trains have to be piloted. The inspection was made for the purpose of avoiding delay and ensuring despatch by special. The special left Springfield at 8.50 p.m., fifty-four minutes after the first news had reached Christchurch, and arrived at Cass at. 10.20. The train left on the return at 10.40, arriving at Springfield at* 11.50. Then it was found that the patient could not be placed in a mo-tor-car, which had been 6ent from Christchurch. It was then midnight", and the Railway Department was ; to arrange for a train to run to Christchurch. That was done, and-a special left Springfield at 12.30, arriving at "Christchurch at 2:8 a.m. Even sup-;, posing it had been possible to use the Public Works service tho special could not'have left Cass before 9.15 p.m. if an inspection of the line had been properly carried out. But for the reasons given ab,ove, it was not considered safe to use the Public Works engine. The Department's arrangements were made with the utmost expedition,, and with due regard to the seriousness of the accident and the comfort of the patient. The question of the charge for the special did not enter into the matter at all. The statement that the' tost, of the train was £50 was contrary to. fact. The cost was £30 15s, only a portion of which has yet been paid. The matter of the charges is under consideration" by the Department, which has only just been fully advised of the actual circumstances."