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23. Do they run anything vii the roads in Christchureh ? — Soiiie of the trailers run at racy times, in my opinion, should be on the scrap-heap. 24. Do you know how many trailers there are?— No. 25. If Mr Scott Symington says there were eighteen trailers fitted with air brakes and from forty to fifty not so equipped with air brakes, would you take that as correct?— That may be practically correct. 26 Do you consider that those without air brakes ought to be on the scrap-heap?— Some are only provided with hand-brakes, and those practically the oldest and crudest form of that particular type. There is no ratchet at the top of the brake-staff, and the men in operating the brakes cannot get sufficient leverage if the trailers are travelling over three or four miles an hour 27. Are they often run? —I have seen them run on race days, and occasionally on gala days. 28. Have you seen them during the 5-o'clock rush?—l cannot say I have seen them. 29. Gala days in Christchurch are pretty frequent, are they not?— Yes. 30. There are many race days, show days, and excursions to Sumner and New Brighton?— On the gala days they use them. 31 Is there a man sent out to use the brakes on those cars —-a brakesman?— There is not a brakesman put on, but the conductor might have some instructions. I have rarely seen them attend to the brakes —they cannot do so, as they have also fares to collect; and even if they were continuously on the brakes they would be of very little use to the motorman, because they could not simultaneously apply them. 32 Have they signals to bring down the brakes?— Not that I am aware of 33. Have you ever seen trains with three cars go out with only one conductor? —Sometimes, but not very frequently 34. Do you consider that safe? —It is very unsafe. 35 Now, with regard to subclause (3) of clause 5, prescribing the maximum number of passengers that may be carried : Do you know whether the carrying-number that each car was allowed to take was painted on the Auckland cars when you were in that service?—l believe it was. 36. Is that so in the Christchurch cars ?—No. : 37 Is there any direction to the conductor or passenger to show how many each car may carry?— No. 38. As a motorman do you know of any by-laws that have reference to overcrowding?— Yes, there is a by-law, but I think it is more for ornament than use. It is not observed, neither is it expected to be observed. 39 Have you had passengers riding with you on the motorman's platform?— Yes. 40. Does the Board allow that?— Yes, 41 Have you any direction with regard to that?— Yes, there is a letter from the Tramway Board to the union on the matter It happened about a couple of years ago. 42. And since that letter was written have you allowed passengers to ride on that platform? Yes. If I have a loaded car with a crowd inside standing, after the instructions of that letter, I simply glance over my shoulder to see if there is room inside. If there is no standing-room inside, I trouble no further about keeping passengers off the platform—they can stand there. 43. Do you think that is risky?—lt distracts the attention of the motorman,. and sometimes impedes his movements. . 44. Are the passengers inclined to get into conversation' with the motorman I—Very much inclined. 45. And that would distract his attention from his work?— Yes. I might correct my statement a little bit. There is one type of car on the platform of which they do not allow passengers. It is the " Boon " car There is no room for passengers on the platform. On the other cars they allow them to stand by the motorman if the car is crowded. There are seats for passengers at the drivers' ends of some cars. ! I would not object to' them sitting, but they are allowed to come on the platform and stand all round One. 46. Have you ever seen passengers ride on the steps of cars?— Yes, but not too often. I have seen them on the steps. This is very risky for the passengers, and makes the conductor's duties more difficult than dangerous. 47 Under subclause (d) of clause 5 do you consider that the Government should have control of the speed at which a car should travel ?—Yes. I reckon that proposed speeds should be submitted to the Government for approval or disapproval. 48. Are you allowed to run to your scheduled time?—On the busy trips there is not sufficient time allowed. Then, of course, when we are behind time we have to hurry and bustle the passengers, and that does not tend to safety. 49. Take subclause (c) of clause 5 : Do you think that includes your sand-gear?— Yes, I think the Brakes Commission in Auckland made a recommendation with regard to this clause. 50. Are you satisfied with your present sand-gear?—No, it very often fails. The valve gets stuck and will not allow the sand to run; and sand is absolutely necessary on a greasy rail. 51 Is it intermittent or easj r in its flow?—lt is intermittent; you have to keep pressing on the lever 52 Do you know if there is sand on both rails at the same time?— Some cars sand only one rail. I consider it necessary to have it on both rails. 53 Have the later types of car a sand-gear for both rails ?—Yes. 54. Is it a better system?— Yes, it is necessary to sand both rails. 55 You consider the subclause (c) gives power to the Government officer to see that sand-gear and other things are provided? —Yes. 56. And you approve of that? —Yes. 57 Take clause 6, the Appeal Board :do you consider that necessary?— Yes, very necessary
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