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D.—4

Mr. Veitch's speech on page 437 of Hansard was made the following day. The next step was that reports were prepared by members of the Department. In the meantime not only had there been this question and the comments before the House, but it had come to the knowledge of the officers of the Department that Mr. Wilford's complaint had special reference to the undercarriages and springs. Ft was not known what particular springs he referred to, but from his question in the House it was assumed that in particular he was referring to the carriage bearingsprings. The officers of the Department then made the most complete inquiries, and their reports were prepared. At that stage it will be remembered that the motion before the House asked for two things : it first of all asked for complete reports, and it also asked that a Commission should be set up; but the officers of the Department did not at that time consider that anything in the way of a formal inquiry or Commission was necessary, nor did they think the expense of such a formal inquiry would be justified. They believed that they were entitled to be regarded as men of honour and integrity, and that the reports of a number of responsible officers would be accepted as correct. They endeavoured to avoid the expense of a formal inquiry by giving what they thought was the fullest information from all persons in the service competent to speak on this question, but at the same time they would have been glad to supplement that information if it appeared that there was any point which had not been made plain, or upon which further information was required. These reports were presented to the House by the Minister. The reports themselves appear in parliamentary paper D.-6 of 1916. T propose to read the reports, and then refer to the proceedings that took place in the House when the motion was brought forward in the House. Memorandum for the Hon. the Minister of Railways. With reference to the motion of Mr. Wilford respecting the condition of the rolling-stock on the New Zealand State railways, \ attach hereto the report of the Chief Mechanical Engineer, who is in charge of, and responsible for the condition Of, the whole of the rolling-stock used in connection with the Now Zealand State railways. Tn accordance with your directions, reports were also obtained from the whole of the officers in the Locomotive Branch who are responsible to the Chief Mechanical Engineer for the condition and safety of the rolling-stock used in the various districts. In addition to these, reports have been obtained from the Workshop Managers who are responsible for the building of new rolling-stock and repairs to stock sent to the workshops for overhaul. Tlie whole of the officers state in the most definite manner possible — (1.) That the rolling-stock has been maintained in a high state of efficiency : (2.) That repairs have not been neglected : (3.) That there has never been any necessity or occasion to direct attention to rolling-stock running in an unsafe condition, nor do they know of any instances in which vehicles have been placed on trains when unsafe to run : (4.) That they have never received any instruction that underfiames and running-gear were not to be repaired when required—on the contrary, such gear is kept well within the limits of safety : (5.) That while due economy has been exercised it has not in any way reduced the efficiency of the rollingstock, nor have repairs been allowed to stand over to the detriment of safety : ((i.) That the instructions in regard to the upkeep of rolling-stock have not been relaxed during the past three years, and before any vehicle, cither new or repaired, is allowed out of the shops a personal and detailed inspection is made for the purpose of seeing that it is in a thoroughly safe condition. With respect to draw-bar springs, these do not form any portion of the running-gaar, but are merely shock-absorbers and reduce, the bumping that would otherwise take place when trains are being started and stopped. The draw-bar spring is equally efficient for the purpose of absorbing shock whether it is in one or two pieces. This will be seen by reference to the drawing herewith. The draw-bar is shown through the head-stock of the carriage, with the draw-bar spring in compression. Alongside is a print of the same spring uncompressed. 1 desire to point to the references made to the condition of the rolling-stock in each year's Railways Statement, and to state positively that I am not aware of anything to warrant the assumption that the rolling-stock has been neglected, and that neither directly nor indirectly has any instruction been given for the curtailment of expenditure on the upkeep of the rolling-stock. The constant aim of the Department is not only to maintain its rolling-stock in the highest standard of efficiency, but to improve the class of vehicle employed with a view to increasing the accommodation and conveniences afforded to the public. The figures given below show (a) that mere vehicles have been passed through the shops per annum during the last two years than during the previous eight years, and (6) that more money has been expendod on repairs per vehicle during the lattifr period : — Average Number of Engines, Carriages, Brake-vans, and Wagons passed through various Shops per Annum for Repairs during the last Ten Years. During Eight Years, Du ™f from 1907 to 1914, (en J»« «™» J»» w Locomotives .. • • • • • • • • • ■ 727 Carriages 1.830 2,1-36 Brake-vans and wagons .. .. •• •• •■ 17,0!).'! 21,170 Average Amount e'Kk Vehicle per A.nnum spent on Repairs. During Eight Years, D «gf J&j&f* from 1907 toWH. J™ J»J £ £ Locomotives .. .. ■■ IBMO 220-71 Carriages 37-83 37-49 Brake-vans and wagons .. .. .. ■ ■ ■ ■ -'!' r> l 3-74 The Department has no objection to the fullest investigation and inquiry being made into the condition of the rolling-stock at present running on the railway system. E. H. Hiley. Wellington. 2nd August, 1916. General Manager. 1 would remark here that the General Manager had apparently noticed that there was some misconception in the mind of Mr. Wilford when he asked the question, and the General Manager particularly referred to draw-bar springs, which the Commission will know are a very different thing from'the bearing-springs of carriages.