AUCKLAND CAR BRAKES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 795, 19 April 1910, Page 6

AUCKLAND CAR BRAKES.

AEE THEY EFFICIENT ?

EOYAL COMMISSION OPENS. IBy Teleßraph.-Preea Association/ * " Auckland, April 18. The Koyal . Commission appointed to inquire into' the report regarding the suitability of the brakes used on the Auckland trams opened its sittings this morning. The pomta for inquiry are:— (1) Whether, having,regard to the grades on tramways' and the speed the oars travel to the congestion of etreet traffio and the safoty of the public, the system of brakes already adopted, or any of them, are suitable, efficient,*- and sufficient? (2) If' the said brakes ore not suitable aid sufficient, what other brake would you recommend? (3) Generally to inquire into any matter connected with the subject of inquiry or regarding the necessity of any new legislation with respect thereof. . It was stated. that the Tram Company maintained that tlie existing brakes were perfectly safe and effective, "but was prepared to alter tho system, not because it was inadequate, but because the company recognised the desirability and necessity of working harmoniously with the Government and tfceii employees. 'Mr. Bosser stated thai the union did not recede one iota from tho position taken up. before the previous commission, vis.—that the brakes in -use were not effective. If it was not intended to traverse the old ground relating to the inefficiency oi the existing brake system the evidence called would be confined to fie effectivenss of the air brake experimented with on two care in the service, and to show the disadvantages of the maguetdc brake. The last>-mentioned, he pointed out, was on emergency brake, and not a service brake, and a brake, to be of use under the Auckland conditions, should be a service brake. Tho union could not admit that the brakes in use at present were effective, and it had to be staited also that, their use iniioted punishment on the men operating them, four motomen having been tent to the hospital since Nowmber suffering from injuries received through the strain imposed in the manipulation of the gear. After the evidence oj several motormen had been taken, the inquiry was adjourned fciU to-morrow.