ROTORUA TRAIN ACCIDENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8519, 27 August 1907, Page 7

ROTORUA TRAIN ACCIDENT.

By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, August 26. The enquiry into the Rotorua train accident resumed to-day. Mr Baume, K.C., speaking for Mr Earl and himself, representing the train men, stated that while they felt the decision of the Bench would be more likey to give satisfaction if the proceedings were open to all persons interested, they recognised that procedure was a matter entirely for the Magistrate to decide. Their clients would raise no further objections, being confident that witnesses would be called so that counsel would not b3 left without instructions. As far as possible every person concerned should hear whatever might be said reflecting on him or his conduct. Mr Kettle, S.M., said he was quite satisfied that what had oeen said by Mc Baume at a previous sitting was said in the heat of the moment; that there was no desire to insult the President of the Court, or obstruct examination of witnesses then proceeded. With reference to the statement by Mr Harris, stationmaster at Putararu, that he worked sixteen hours a day, Mr Waite, District Traffic Manager, said that Harris had been supplied with a cadet and a clerk, so that the work could be done in shifts. Harris should have been able to do his duty efficiently in ten hours. -Guard Lowe, who was responsible for the running of the train, was a very effiient and capable officer. He went on duty at noon, and in the ordinary course would have ceased work at 9 p.m., on arrival at Rotorua. Other evidence went to show that there was nothing in the wreckage that afforded any clue to the cause of the accident.