CROSSING-KEEPERS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1550, 20 September 1912, Page 4

CROSSING-KEEPERS.

ARE TIIEY REQUIRED HERE? Recently the City' Council drew the attention of the Minister for Railways to tho dangerous railway crossings at Queen's ■\\ harf and , at the northern end of the Thorndon Esplanade, and asked if a crossing-keeper coiild not, be stationed at thoso places for the protection of the public. A reply received from tho Minister was before the City Council last night. The Minister stated that the train service at the Queen's 'Wharf crossing had been reduced to a minimum, and it was considered the services of a crossingkeeper were not required. With reference to the appointment of a crossingkeeper at the northern end of tho Thorndon Esplanade, the Minister wrote: "It is considered the truffle at this point is not of sufficient volume to require the attendance of a crossing-keeper, and in tlieso circumstances I regret 1 cannot see my way to authorise the appointment. Should, however, the traffic increase, the matter will bo further considered." Councillor l'letcher was of opinion-that tho reply was unsatisfactory, and that tho council ought to make a protest. The Thorndon crossing particularly was one of the most dangerous in the city. The Mayor agreed that the reply was unsatisfactory, and that tho council should ask tlio Minister to reconsider his decision. Eventually, on the suggestion of Councillor SliirtclilVe, it was decided to ask the Minister (if he could not instal •> crossing-keeper) to arrange for the erection of an automatic alarm.