THE SPEED OF TRAINS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 117, 15 June 1909, Page 2

THE SPEED OF TRAINS.

CHARGE AGAINST RAILWAY OFFICIALS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. The speed u{ the Otago Central railway trains whs discussed at a sitting of the Railway Aippeal Board this morning, an appeal being lodged by Engine-driver 11. Woodliead, wllio had been reduced in position and .pay for having run a train at an excessive speed on the Otago Central line on December 24.

Mr. A .McKie, wlio appeared oir behalf of appellant, said that by verbal instructions and telephone engine-drivers were induced to run trains at excessive speed on the Otago Central line. >lf the driver did not do »o the result was unfavorable to him. He was removed to some shunting or ballast train engine. The. chairman (Judge llaseldeu): All engine-drivers had to do was to say, ''We shall run according to regulation's, in spite of verbal instructions from anyone."

Mr. McKie said that that had been tried, but one bad 'been sent away on ballast trains.

His Honor: 1 hope your statements will be fully reported in the Railway Review. Von must not think that I am taking them all in. Mr. Davidson (representing the Department) said that for Mr. McKie's own sake he would give him an opportunity to withdraw the statement.

Mr. McKie said that he could bring proof of what he stated. His Honor: You are making very serious charges and I hope it will not be allowed to rest at this Appeal Board. A olinrgc like this is of too grave, ii character t< ike. As advocate's sta>.p, ment, your charge is that engine-drivers are forced to break the regulations, and if they will not break the regulations they are removed from their positions. Mr. McKie: dust so; we can prove Ilia t.

His Honor: That is a statement I certainly would not believe miles', rt was proved.

Mr. ItavrdMin said Mr. .McKie liad made a very wild statement, to which he would give a. most emphatic denial on ibelmlf of the Department.