HEAVY PASSENGER TRAINS.

Otaki Mail, 11 July 1923, Page 3

HEAVY PASSENGER TRAINS.

ill'. W. 11. Field, M.P., Otaki, uslccd the Minister of Railways:—(l). “Whether the recent accident to the Auckland express near Xgaio does not point to the danger of running such a heavy passenger-train as the Auckland express usually is, comprised at times of eighteen to twenty vehicles, over a line which traverses for a considerable distance steep and rough country, and where a mishap might be attended with terrible consequences’ Whether A is not laid down by Railway authorties throughout the world that about hirteen large passenger-carriages tire he maximum which can be safely hauled over such a line as the Main Trunk’ (k). Whether the Department ; will meet the public’s conveniences and safety by reverting to the system of running two expresses to and from Auckland daily',"' The lion. Mr. Coates (Minister of Railways) replied—(.l). The recent accident was the result of the bursting of the brake hosepipe while the train was in the tunnel. The weight and length of the train had no bearing on the matter. A similar mishap could take place with a train comprising lialf-a-dozen vehicles. The condition under which the trainmen were placed owing to the mishap occuring in the tunnel were very trying. Two high-powered locomotives blowing off heavy volumes of steam and smoke, combined with the darkness and heat, placed the men under great physical stress. The accident resulted from the pressure exerted by the weight of the two heavy locomotive's pressing on the rear portion of the train, which had been brought to a stand and was immovable. The circumstances were most exceptional, (2). The maximum load is determined by the ability of the train to maintain its schedule and the effect of the brake to control the load, and not by the number of vehicles, (k). The requirements of the existing traffic arc reasonably met by the present service, and an additional train is run "hen circumstances warrant.” I