A RAILWAY MISHAP

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1926, Page 4

A RAILWAY MISHAP

EXPLANATION BY .MINISTER. OAMARC, April 23. In view of tho serious consequences that might arise if the gates leading to the Waitaki bridge are left open when they should bo shut, the Waitaki County Council brought the matter under notice of tho Prime Minister and Minister of Railways, and supported their action by referring to an accident on February 11, when a mob of sheep were run into by the slow train .from . Oamaru while crossing the bridge. At to-day’s meeting.of the council, a letter was read from the Prime Minister assuring the council that the necessary action would he taken to see that proper and careful atteniotn was given to the matter. The Minister of Railways replied that.the accident on February 11 was not duo to.tho bridge gates being lelt open .when.they should have been closed. The accident occurred at 5.-15 a.i11., at which time the bridge keepers were not on duty. In such circumstances the departmental instructions to train limn and others concerned explicitly provided that trains must be piloted over the bridge. The procedure laid down provided that the train must be brought to a standstill before entering on a bridge and the guard must walk in front of the train and pilot it across. The train must follow, maintaining a distance of not less.than 10D yards between the guard and the engine, and it should therefore he clear that little room,was left for the possibility of accidents occurring, provided the instructions were observed. Unfortunately, ■however, the eiiginetiiaii tailed to stop his train as directed', and although the Department’s .inquiries had not been brought to a < inclusion there appeared little doubt that the customary vigilance displayed hv the Pepartmeiit’.s engine drivers was not in evidence on that occasion.

Tho instructions to the bridge keepers acre .also .explicit and comprehensive, and the freedom from accidents on bridges.' whether the regular attendants were on duty or not. pointed conclusively to the effectiveness of the departmental regulations governing that. phase of the railway operations.