THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE KAIPARA ADVERTISER & WAITEMATA CHRONICLE." HELENSVILLE, FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1914 THE LEVEL CROSSING AGAIN

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 12 June 1914, Page 4

THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE KAIPARA ADVERTISER & WAITEMATA CHRONICLE." HELENSVILLE, FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1914 THE LEVEL CROSSING AGAIN

The Ecno would very much like to know who is fooling with the great question at issue for the public safety in connection with railway level crossings, Hon. Mr Herries (Minister for Eailways), or that highly paid imported Manager of Eailways (Mr Hiley) ? At every crossing the alarming, notice already appears— "Stop!" But this has never yet stopped an accident occurring. After a serious mishap some two months ago, the Department issued vary strict instructions to persons crossing with motors and other vehicles. This appnars to have been abortive and was ridiculed all over the Dominion at the time. Accidents ovur level crossings are still frequent, and again the Railway Department is to the fore with new regulations

which may just as well exist in the desert of Sahara for all the good tli6y are. An absurd notion has struck Messrs Hiley and Co. to generously provide warning boards "if Local Bodies affected will keep the same in good repair." This is enough to tickle the vitals of one's stomach. Or perhaps it may be the far-seeing idea of some understrapper in office—this method for avoiding accidents—who is to be rewarded through being recognised by the Department. It will be remembered that some time ago it was given out that officials were to be rewarded and encouraged when they suggested any methods which would improve the service. Is this one of them for a start ? Ai any rate, something better thau sign boards is required for the safety of the public using level crossings, and the sooner they are Improved upon, swept away altogether, or maybe possess gate-keepers, the better, before another terrible disaster takes

place