RICHMOND RAILWAY DISASTER

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 945, 12 October 1910, Page 5

RICHMOND RAILWAY DISASTER

A PROSECUTION FAILS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Rec. October *il, 9.25 p.m.) Melbourne, October 11. Tho prosecution of Alexander MTDonald) the signalman) at South Yarra at tho time of the Richmond railway disaster, for breaches of 'tho railway regulations has failed, and the defendont has been discharged.

MTDonald ; was charged with haying al- : lowed the 8.37 up train from; Elsternwick to approach: South Ynrra.froiu Prahran when unable to satisfy himself that the preceding' train had passed at least a quarter of a mile beyond the home signal, and was continuing its journey. The magistrate, in, giving : his decision, said tho regulation', under which; the charge was laid was ambiguously worded. M'Donald and John; Melville, v the en-gine-driver on the second train,' were both to bo proceeded'against. Speaking uponthe matter,- ■') the Viotorian^■'/Attorney-' Genera! said,.,"l, 1 much 1 regret having to proceed. against these two men, but haying .regard -to :the nature., of ■ the- 'report of the- Commissioners,;! find it- impossible to let the case, stand as it is: The officers of,the Department, : in',their, statements, ohargo, both of them' with having broken the' regulations. -The .board also found that they,', had . broken .the' regulations, and- the 'natural conclusion, is that.'•they, must be ..proceeded, against:"'