SHUNTING ACCIDENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2923, 15 August 1925, Page 3

SHUNTING ACCIDENTS.

PUBLIC INQUIRY IN PALMERSTON. Reference to the recent shunting fatality at Palmerston North was made in Parliament by Mr. J. A. Nash, member for Palmerston North. Ah'. Nash asked the Prime Minister (Hon .). G. Coates) whether he had read the Press report of the fatality and the Coroner’s comment thereon at tho inquest on the victim, a man named Carmichael. The Coroner had commented on the large number of such accidents, not entirely duo to carelessness by ilie men. He had stated that unrest and anxiety in the service were not to he wondered at. It appeared that (he system was radically wrong somewhere, and he suggested a general public inquiry into shunting conditions with particular reference to Palmerston North. The Coroner commented on the lack of first-aid knowledge and the delay ia summoning medical assistance.

Mr. Nash wanted to know how long the present conditions at Palmerston North were likclv to exist.

Mr. Coates, in reply, stated that he had seen the report referred to by Air. Nash also the Coroner’s comments, ‘T don't know the Coroner,” said the Prime Minister, “and ! don't know whether ho knows what he is talking about or whether lie is an expert on these matters.” lie (the Minister) was instructing the members of the .Inquiry Board

M go to Palmerston North and lake evidence publicly' from those eone. i ned. He mentioned that there were two shunters on the hoard, and that the object of it was to see if asolution of the present problem could not he found. Whatever recommendations the board made I hey would he acted upon.

Mr. Masters (Stratford): Why not have a general public inquiry?

The Prime Minister said he did not think there was any necessity for ii. The Board would visit various parts of the Dominion in the course of their investigaiions.

Mr. Nash: Will you state how bow- the present conditions arc likely to last at Palmerston North. You want to know when the new railway deviation is going to nimliionec?

Mr. Nash : “I do, sir.”' Air. Nash added that there had been two shunting accidents nl Palmerston North (piite recently.

The Prime .Minister said he was quite aware of the fact. Ho recognised that the Palmerston North vard was a bad otic, and that the congestion there was considerable. Tn leply to a further question by Air. Masters as to why the Government could not set up a general inquiry into shunting accidents throughout New Zealand. Mr. Coates said that if there were any other cases they could be inquired into also, lie could not see bow a general public, inquiry could serve anv good purpose. These matters were largely technical, and did not greatly concern the public. The Department was anxious to find a solution of the problem, and eveuy effort would be made to that end.