I.—6a.

6

Resolved, That Messrs. M. J. Mack and S. Kennedy be notified that the inquiry will be resumed on the 22nd October; that evidence which has been taken is meanwhile available for perusal, and that the Committee will be prepared to hear them in reply to said evidence on that date. The Committee then adjourned.

Wednesday, 22nd October, 1913. The Committee met at 10.30 a.m., pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Buick (Chairman), Mr. Dickson, Mr. Sidey, Mr. Sykes, Mr. Veitch, Hon. Mr. Herries. Minutes of previous meetings were read and confirmed. Mr. McVilly, Railways Department, attended. New Lynn Railway Accident. Inquiry, — Lettei from Railways Department, with time-table attached, wits received. Samuel Kennedy, president of the New Zealand Locomotive Engine-drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association, made a statement, which was taken down by the reporter. M. J. Mack, secretary of tlie Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, made a statement, which was taken down by the reporter. Mr. McVilly made a statement, which was taken down by the reporter. Mr. Veitch submitted a draft report, which read as follows : — " That, having heard the evidence of the petitioners, the officers of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, the officers of the New Zealand Locomotive Engine-drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association, the officers of the Department, and other witnesses, the Committee is of opinion— " (a.) That there was a light fog at the time of the collision. " (b.) That the fog was not of such density as to necessitate the use of fog-signals. " (c.) That Driver Corich was guilty of an error of judgment in not slowing down early enough to avoid overrunning the ' Danger ' signal. " (d.) That there is no blame attached to Porter Mortimer, who was in charge ol New Lynn Station at the time of the collision. " (c.) That the railway facilities at New Lynn are sufficient for the safe working of the traffic. " The Committee recommends — " (i.) That Porter Mortimer be exonerated. " (ii.) That owing to his youth and his not being of ripe experience Driver Corich be reinstated in the service in a lower position for a time." After discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Veitch, That the draft report be adopted as the report of the Committee. Resolved, on the motion of the Hon. Mr. Herries, That the Chairman do report the resolutions of the Committee to the House, with a recommendation that the report, together with the minutes of the proceedings, and a copy of the evidence taken be laid upon the table of the House and printed. The Committee then adjourned.