H.—BB

1908. NEW ZEALAND.

AUCKLAND ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS: REPORT OF ROYAL COMMISSION APPOINTED TO INQUIRE INTO THE EFFICIENCY AND WORKING OF THE BRAKES THEREON ON THE 14th JULY, 1908.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

To His Excellency the Eight Honourable William Lee, Baron Plunket, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies. May it please Your Excellency,— 1. The Commission intrusted to us by Your Excellency directed our attention to the following matters in connection with the brakes in use on the rolling-stock of the Auckland electric tramways :— (a.) Whether the brakes as at present existing on the rolling-stock used on the said tramways are in good working-order and efficient repair; (b.) Whether the systems of brakes adopted are suitable for use on the said tramways; (c.) Whether the motormen employed on the said tramways have an efficient knowledge of and are practised in the use of the said brakes; (d.) Whether the said brakes are used by the said motormen generally in a proper and efficient manner, and with due care and regard for the .public safety; (c.) And generally to make inquiry into any matter or thing arising out of or connected with the several subjects of inquiry hereinbefore mentioned, or which in your opinion may be of assistance in fully ascertaining, explaining, and arriving at a fair and just conclusion in respect to the subjects of inquiry, and into the working of the existing law, or regarding the necessity or expediency of any new legislation in respect to tramway rollingstock or the use thereof or the equipment or appliances in connection therewith. 2. Having now concluded our investigations and inquiries, we have the honour to submit to Your Excellency our report on the several matters referred to us.

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