Questions
Questions were swiftly raised as to why two trains should collide when the goods train should have had the protection of the Home signal. The Mail train driver claimed that the Distant signal was Clear when he passed it, however as there was a thick fog at the time, he did not sight the Home signal, which was against him, until the train was right upon it.
At a subsequent trial, the driver of the Mail was brought before the Goulburn Circuit Court charged with manslaughter. At that trial, the Night Officer at Exeter gave evidence to the effect that the Down Distant signal was in fact at Danger at the time the Mail train passed. The Night Officer further stated that there was no fog that night, but that just before the Goods train arrived a slight mist had set in. However, the Goods train driver gave conflicting evidence, stating that on the night of the accident the denseness of the fog made it difficult to see the signals.
Read more about this topic: Exeter Crossing Loop Collision
Famous quotes containing the word questions:
“Dignity, and even holiness too, sometimes, are more questions of coat and waistcoat than some people imagine.”
—Charles Dickens (1812–1870)
“The real grounds of difference upon important political questions no longer correspond with party lines.... Politics is no longer the topic of this country. Its important questions are settled... Great minds hereafter are to be employed on other matters.... Government no longer has its ancient importance.... The people’s progress, progress of every sort, no longer depends on government. But enough of politics. Henceforth I am out more than ever.”
—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)
“Modesty and taste are questions of latitude and education; the more people know,—the more their ideas are expanded by travel, experience, and observation,—the less easily they are shocked. The narrowness and bigotry of women are the result of their circumscribed sphere of thought and action.”
—Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815–1902)