SENSATION IN PALMERSTON.

Shannon News, 18 August 1925, Page 4

SENSATION IN PALMERSTON.

JUDGMENT SHOULD BE SUSPENDED The Palmerston Times says the allegations made at the inquest have caused something in the nature of a sensation. "The whole matter of shunting conditions,'' a prominent railway official said in reply to a question "is at present sub rosa, I worn.l like to say also that these conditions are not peculiar to the local yard. All I can divulge is that a definite statement will be made on the subject at the proper" lime and in the proper place, and that statement js likely to place a different complexion on some aspects of the case. "The public has heard one side .»! tlu> question only, and in fairness to all concerned should suspend final judgment until such time as all the facts are placed before it. "The coroner," continued the speaker, "has to deal with the evidence brought, be lore him, but at the same time it must he admitted that lie has no first-hand knowledge of uis .subject, and as the whole question of shunting conditions is being investigated by a board of experts (including two practical shunters) the public can rest- assured that everything humanly possible is being done to safeguard "the men, and that in this respect the question of expense is never considered." . PUBLIC ENQUIRY TO BE HELD. The question was raised in the Mouse last night by Mr Nash, M.P., and the Prime Minister, said he proposed to arrange for the hoard of inquiry which had been set up immediately to visit Palmerston North and take"evidence publicly. Mr Forbes: "Why not make all the inquiries public?" The Prime Minister said he did not think that was necessary, and moreover; much of the matter to be inquired into was technical. He knew the yard was congested and that it was a bad one, but it was not the worst in New Zealand. The Department was now endeavouring to get the most modern yard the human, brain could Revise. Ideas were being worked .out now and as soon is they Aye re ready the surveys could go ahead. *