HUNTERVILLE INCIDENT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 164, 7 April 1921, Page 5

HUNTERVILLE INCIDENT

THE NARROWLY AVERTED RAIL-

WAY ACCIDENT.

A question regarding the narrowly averted railway disaster at Hunterville was asked in the House last session by Mr. W. H. Field (Otaki). Mr. Field’s question was whether the only action taken by the Railway Department with respect to the incident was the dismissal of the engine-driver, and, if not, s what steps had been taken to prevent the recurrence of such awful risks in the future.

The Right Hon. W. F. Massey (Minister of Railways) yesterday issued the following reply:—The engine-driver and fireman who disregarded the danger signal have been dismissed, and the guard of the train has been suitably dealt with. The Main Trunk railway system is equipped with the best known appliances for ensuring safety, and the instructions regarding the working of these are definite on all points, more especially in regard to obedience to signals and tablet-work-ing. The Hunterville incident was indirectly due to the failure of the trainmen to carry out the rule. The driver admitted that he went to sleep, and the fireman failed to take any action to direct attenion-to the signal and have the train brought to a stand. The equipment of the line with efficient safety appliances meets all practical requirements as far as is humanly possible, and beyond this of practical value can be taken.”