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19. My attention has again been drawn in correspondence to the use by the guard of Flares and/or Verey Lights, as an additional means of protecting an obstruction in the section during hours of darkness. The suggestion was referred to in my Report upon the accident at Dinwoodie in 1928, after which extensive tests were carried out on the Great Western Railway, on behalf of the Companies, and full consideration was given to the whole question.
The conclusion was reached that, having regard to its limited utility and to other disadvantages, the provision of such additional equipment was not justified. In view of the failure of the guard, the circumstances of this accident evidently afford no grounds for altering existing procedure, which is based upon the use of the detonator, nor for thinking that the devices referred to would have had preventive effect.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
A. H. L. Mount,
Lieut.-Colonel
The Secretary,
Ministry of Transport.
