The Sun THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1927. THE LEVEL CROSSING MENACE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 239, 29 December 1927, Page 8

The Sun THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1927. THE LEVEL CROSSING MENACE

OFFICIALDOM declares that railway level crossings are being dealt with “in order of urgency.” . At present it professes not to be able to give any indication of what place the Arg ; > ie Street crossing occupies on the list of urgency. Considering the shocking nature of the tragedy which occurred there on Saturday last, and the number of accidents which had previously taken place at this death-trap, it would be thought the authorities would not need any protracted period for reflection as to the place it should occupy on the red roll of danger^ The citizens of Auckland are by no means satisfied to permit a continuance of the apathy that has characterised the official mind in relation to the menace of the level crossing. Sufficient of their number have been killed to have aroused a very keen resentment at the slowness of the authorities to appreciate adequately the danger, and the last shocking affair has increased that resentment to a degree which it would he very unwise of officialdom to ignore. M/Lile the Railways Department, with exasperating tardiness, is permitting itself to be convinced that some crossings are dangerous, and, with even more deliberation, cross-examining itself as to which crossing should be first removed, the menace continues, like a tiger lying in wait for its ' Aucklanders will remember the unpleasant thrill that followed the escape of a leopard from the zoo a few years ago. Men went armed with guns and accompanied by large and fierce dogs to hunt it down, and women passed along the quiet suburban streets at night—when they were venturesome enough to go forth at all—in fear lest the leopard should pounce upon them from'some tree or shadow. That leopard was harmless in comparison with the ever-present menace of the level crossing. But you can’t go out and shoot a level crossing! The Argyle Street death-trap has been vigorously condemned by numerous representative Aucklanders, including Messrs. Lee and Potter, M.P.’s, and Mr. Potter has forwarded to the Government a strong protest against its continuance. It is not expected that ail the level crossings in the country can be done away with—in fact, where there is no congested settlement, and where a clear view of the line both ways can he obtained, there is no reason for their abolition But there is every reason, and every urgency, for the removal of crossings in thickly-populated areas, where the line is not seen until the wayfarer is almost upon it—as is the ease at Argyle Street. The Government cannot weigh the cost as against the value of human life. Whatever expenditure of money is required to abolish danger where danger exists, that expenditure must be incurred. AVhether the Government should pay the whole, or whether the local bodies should contribute, can be argued later. Meanwhile, delay must be regarded as taking risks that are akin to criminal, and, if even one more fatality occurs at one of the crossings known to be dangerous, those responsible for the continued existence of the danger will have to face the very harsh judgment of an outraged public.