11

b.—4,

4. That the condition of carriage and wagon springs has not at any time been inefficient. 5. That it is not correct, as it has been alleged, that where broken springs have been found under carriages two such springs have been put into one instead of being replaced by one sound carriage-spring. That no broken bearing-springs have been pieced; that such have been immediately removed and new springs substituted. That it has not been the practice to piece carriage draw-bar springs. That pieced draw-bar springs have been used to the extent of about 10 per cent, of the total number in the wagon stock. That this practice is justifiable, and introduces no element of danger. 6. That the safety of the public has not been adversely affected at any time during the three years preceding July, one thousand nine hundred and sixteen, by the condition of underframes and running-gear on the carriages and wagons. That the condition of this gear has been exceedingly good. 7. That no Inspector or other officer having charge of rolling-stock, or responsible for its condition, has at any time during the three years aforesaid reported adversely on the condition and upkeep of the rolling-stock, or notified any of his superiors that he declined to carry the burden of his responsibilities by reason of the condition of the rolling-stock. 8. That the allegation that has been made that the undergear of coaches and wagons is wearing out, and that there has not been a sufficient supply of spares available during the three years specified, is not justified. That there has been a temporary shortage of draw-bar springs due to the delay in arrival of shipments during 1914-15. 9. That there has been no inefficiency, want of thought, or neglect of public interests on the part of the responsible officers of the Department; that the allegation to the contrary is unfounded. The Commission has been impressed by the high standard of the personnel, officers and men, with which it has come in contact, and by the precautions taken to- maintain the rolling-stock in a condition of safety, which is properly regarded as of paramount importance. The inspection arrangements are thorough, and the train lifters and examiners are a remarkably intelligent and trustworthy body of men. The result of this care is manifest in the increasing train-mileage run per derailment, due to causes other than slips and obstructions. This has increased from 530,866 train-miles in 1912-13 to 938,342 train-miles in 1914-15 and 1,169,565 train-miles in 1915-16. Basing its opinion largely on personal inspection and investigation, the Commission considers that the rolling-stock of the New Zealand railways is being maintained in an efficient and thoroughly safe condition. The Commission has the honour to be, Your Excellency's most obedient servants, Robt. J. Scott, M.lnst.C.E., M.lnst.M.E., Fellow A.lnst.E.E., Chairman. J. Marchbanks, M.lnst.C.E. J. P. Maxwell, M.lnst.C.E.