THE HUNTERVILLE INCIDENT

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2261, 9 April 1921, Page 3

THE HUNTERVILLE INCIDENT

THE NARROWLY AVERTED RAILWAY 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 enginedriver, and, if not, 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) has issued the following reply:—The enginedriver 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 tabletworking. The Huuterville - incident was indirectly due to the failure of the trainmen to carry out the rule. The driver admitted that he went to sleep, and Lhe fireman failed to take any action to direct attention 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 -Ibis no steps of practical value can be taken.”