RISKS AT LEVEL CROSSINGS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1238, 21 September 1911, Page 4

RISKS AT LEVEL CROSSINGS.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMED. Remarks of general interest wore nindo yesterday afternoon, when a question arising out of an accident at a railway crossing whs before the liouso of Rcprc&entu/tives. The Railways Committee reported llmti it had no recommendation to make as to the petition of Robert Montgomery, of Otahuhu, who asked for com, Miration on account of his permanent disablement resulting from an accident at a level crossing. Air, Lang moved that the report bo referred hack to tlio committee for further consideration. Ho urged that something should bo dono to give effect to the prayer of tho petitioner. The Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister for Railways, said the Government was not liable lor accidents at railway crossings. Montgomery ha<l already received certain compensation, although the accidcnt was his own fault. If tho Government wero made to pay compensation in such cases, they had better put through a Bill to compel private employers to maintain any man with his wifo and family who wa9 permanently injured. The saiue members who asked' for such things would howl about tho expense. Mr. Massey said that the crossing-keeper was absent, and tho engine-driver did not sound his whistle. Under sueh circumstances Montgomery would l.avo had a claim if the railways had been owned b.v a private company. The Crown Suits Act should bo altered to enable such claims to bo made in the courts. Mr. Jlogan, chairman of tho railways Committee, said he would not object to the report being referred back. Ho thought there should bo a compiufim'ato committee to' deal with all such eases, and compensation when paid siioird come out of special fund, instead of tho ordinary Departmental funds. The report was referred 'jack.