34

[j. WILLIS.

H.—24.

had the McGhennier brake there. They had trailers to New Brighton, Sumner, &c. I never had any complaints to make about the air brake —none whatever. When, the air brake was installed on No. 75 and No. 48, I worked those cars for about five months in traffic, and I have trained a couple of men on them. I consider, in my opinion, the National Air Brake compares very favourably with the McGhennier Air Brake. It has better compression, and is not so noisy. I found I could make just as quick stops. We had sand gear on the Christchurch cars. There was no track brake, but there were trailers to make up for it. I think the air brake, in conjunction with the track brake, is the best you can get. I have only worked the magnetic brake for a short run. It was on the sly. I was getting initiated. I was on board a car when it failed to operate. It was in the King Street route in Sydney. I have no knowledge of the Wellington system, as I was only there two days. There is a danger of skidding the wheels with any brake, but you can release and bring it together again. The release is mostly instantaneous. Mr Bosser The only evidence I have to call now is corroborative evidence as to the condition of the sand gear and the track brake, and that has already been established by the witnesses. We are prepared to admit that the sand gear is better than it was, and is in very good condition while there is still room for improvement; and the track brakes are much better adjusted than prior to two years ago. I would like to say I have written to the Tramways Unions m other centres and I shall be prepared to call evidence there. I have been appointed by the union to accompany the Commission to other centres. In Wellington I have evidence that I can bring forward and also in Christchurch and Dunedin. With reference to Wellington, I have not got the names and the witnesses would have to be subpoenaed. Our witnesses here were prepared to come forward, and the company and the union are practically on the same road although we have arrived on that road by different routes, and it is by mutual arrangement that the witnesses have come here to-day. In Wellington there would be no arrangement, and I should have to subpoena the men there. There have been several accidents there-m Cuba Street, for _ instance There was an appeal in that case, and evidence was given by the men before that inquiry, and I should like to avail myself of that-in fact, I understand the report could be obtained by this Commission before this case is completed. These men I would subpoena seeing that their evidenTTs against the magnetic brake. I therefore have to protect them under subpoena. In Chrlstchureh th f y would be acting against their.superior officers. If the Commissioner, could let me know where they propose to sit, I could arrange to get evidence accordingly. offering any comment or evidence as to the brake system in other P^. The Chairman —It is the most advisable manner of treating the thing, 1 think. llie ques Walter McDonald duly sworn. I drive Car No. 77. There is a good track brake.on^that car c R . brake - Patrick Cody Buckley duly sworn. Examined by Mr. Rosser: My name is g^ody employ of the Auckland Electnc , T ™Xed Se t hat Commission--considerably so. lam mission. I consider things have been bettered runnin Car No 73 . It using the vertical-wheel track brake no-. It has is an exceptionally good track on that car. in wift EH Z ih-bSrStavtTot driven an air-brake car. As a motorman I often pass Nos. 75 and 48.