Did the Brakes Fail?

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 376, 23 April 1908, Page 4

Did the Brakes Fail?

Driver’s Statement Contradicted by the Guard. Mr Tait, Chief Commissioner of Railways, when interviewed, seated that all the signals and points at Sunshine were interlocked, the trains working on the block system. It appeared to be beyond question that the signals were against the Bendigo train. This is shown by the fact that, through the points breaking, the train went past the connections. The driver of the leading engine of the Bendigo train, Milburn, claims that when he saw the distant signal at “caution,” he applied the brakes, intending to stop at the home signal if, on reaching it, he found it standing at “ danger.” Milburn also states that when he saw the home signal was not clear, he applied the brakes, but they failed to act, and the collision occurred. Shortly after the acci-

dent the brakes were tested and it was disclosed that the air braking power and brakes were in good order.

The guard of the Bendigo train states that the brakes worked satisfactorily. Mr Tail added that the night was clear and the signals were burning properly. As the Bendigo line was straight for more than three miles west of Sunshine, and there were no obstructions, the engineman of the approaching train should have had a clear view of the signals.