SHUNTING RISKS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18481, 8 September 1925, Page 11

SHUNTING RISKS.

WHY MEN ARE AGGRIEVED. "LOSING 44-HOUR WEEK.' 3 (PCTSB ASSOCTiTfOIT TmSGRAJL.) PALMERSTON N., September 7. The shunting enquiry was continued this morning. Michael Shdrtkwin, senior goods foreman, said he arranged the hours and duties for the Palmers ton North shed yard staff, and exercised general supervision. The yard foreman came ander his immediate control. Witness deemed this quite a satisfactory arrangement. The Department's representative called Detective-Sergeant Quirke, who deposed to investigations concerning the loss of goods from the railway sheds at various times. The police would have been helpless without the assistance of the foreman, and of Foreman Sweeney particularly. Signalman George Newton gave technical evidence, and suggested improvements to the yards.

Stationmasfccr's Evidence, John Joseph Osh, stationmaster, said that the deceased shunter, Carmichael, was above the ordinary intelligence, and would not have allowed foremen to harass him without protest. None had been made to witness. Foreman Derosa, in-witness's opinion, was in no way responsible for the fatality. After careful enquiries, he had been unable to find evidence of any shunter being killed at Palmerston North for twentyfive years prior to the two recent fatalities. It was incorrect to say, as t>ne previous witness had said, that an average of 4000 wa'ggons went through the yard daily. The exact average was 1163. "Witness always gladly recevied recommendations, and had told the men that he would adjust local matters if possible; otherwise he would refer them to the District Manager. He believed the reason for the attitude of the staff at present was their losing the 44-hour week and the extra night rates. At no station, except Wellington on special occasions, were there three qualified men in the gang. Witness admitted two complaints from shunters about the harassing methods of the foremen. Seeing is Believing. An interesting test was made in the yards during the day, when it was found that a rako of waggons with one brake down attained a speed of 18 miles an hour. This was made as a test of the statement of Foreman Sweeney that in such circumstances a shunt could not attain more than 3 miles an hour, and of various other witnesses that 25 miles could be reached. The enquiry was adjourned.