NO STEEL FOR RAILWAYS

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 91, 30 September 1938, Page 2

NO STEEL FOR RAILWAYS

GERMAN ARMS RACE INCREASE IN ACCIDENTS LONDON, June I.—A tragic aspect of the toll of rearmament- on tlie “little man” and his family is disclosed in a report of the casualties on German railways last issued in Berlin.

During the first nine months of last year these increased by 189 per cent., chiefly owing to the restricted supplies of steel available for replacements, the lack of skilled labour and delays in delivery. Altogether,- there were 2113 accidents, an increase of 345. There was a ‘39 per cent, increase in derailments, and a 33 per cent-, increase in collisions. Accidents to travellers increased by 165. Supplies Held Op. The report explains the conditions prevailing with complete candour. Tlie steel allowance has been so drastically cut that 46 per cent, of the rails which should be scrapped each year are being retained. . . “Old iron rails and points have been used in the making of new sleepers. At the same .time experiments have begun on the use of con-

ereto sleepersJ’ Supplies of new rolling stock have been held up. Hasty repairs have been made to stock that had been taken out- of service because it was over-age. 'liven when such patchingup is possible it is permitted only on condition that no foreign materials are used.