SUBURBAN RAILWAY GRIEVANCES

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 2456, 8 May 1915, Page 13

SUBURBAN RAILWAY GRIEVANCES

. Sir,—Having noticed a letter by "Victim" concerning suburban trains, from in particular, in your issue of yesterday, T read the part referring to the recent accident with some interest, inasmuch as the main cause of that accident still remains unattended to by the Railway Department. Trucks either loaded or empty are allowed to remain at the north end of a 'oop near the crossing leading to the platform, thus obscuring the view of approaching trains, for, if a person is on the roadway leading to tho downs at the north end of such truck or trucks, his view of the north-bound train, is obscured; likewise, if one is at tho south end of such truck, his view of any south-bound train is obscured. _ Now this is my contention: There is plenty of room on tho siding south of the crossing, where, if trucks remained, no one's view would be obscured, but, strange to say, although the railway ; has been approached time and time again, trucks are left where they cause the greatest danger to anyone crossing the line. The accident already referred to occurred while the south-bound train which did the damage was obscured by a covered "K" waggon, and the injured man was about to cross tho line at the crossing, which should be the most safe place. I might say that it is also impossible for tho engine-driver to see while trucks are in the dangerous position referred to. To make matters worse, we were told by railway servants that neither of tho trains carried a stretcher or anything with which to make splints on tho day in question, and tho man had to be carried home, which fortunately was not more than a quarter of a mile, with his broken leg dangling down. Upon inquiry at the David Street Hospital yesterday, I learn that the injured man is progressing favourably, but will be some weeks yet before he can be removed to his home, and, in reply to my query, lie says that the Department have not made a single inquiry concerning his welfare.

I trust that the Railway Department will not wait until someone is literally cut to pieces before they remedy the dangerous crossing.—I am, etc., PASSENGER.