RAILWAY APPEAL BOARD.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14885, 27 January 1914, Page 7

RAILWAY APPEAL BOARD.

AN IMPORTANT POINT. (FSXSS vtSBOCTATIOS TKT.EGRAM.) AUCKLAND, January 26. The question of the Railway Department's right to confine the sphere of an promotion to the branch in which ho happens to have been placed, is one of widespread interest throughout the railway service. It was discussed before the North Island Railway Appeal Board when the appeal "was heard of Pefcival E. Fletcher, a clerk in the District Engineer's office, Auckland, against the promotion of certain officers before him. The Board consisted of Messrs "W. R. Haselden, B.M. (chairman), C. P. Ryan (first division), and J. 0. House- Mr H. Davidson appeared for the Department, and Mr E. Gassy for the appellant. . Mr Casey said the appellant had sixteen years service and an excellent record. Hβ was receiving, the maximum salary for Grade 10, and had recommended consistently for promotion, but men lower in grade had been promoted over his head, and he considered his position and prospects bad been materially affected' thereby. The appellant was in the maintenance branch, and he contended that no enquiries had been made to ascertain if he. had the requisite ability to carry out the duties of another branch. Mr Davidson eaid it was impossible for the Department to promote every : Ban as his name appeared on the list, Tithout having regard to the branch the man was in, and has ability for the position. When a. vacancy.occurred in the maintenance branch, the appellant, whose ability was not questioned at all. Tofcld be promoted. • The Chairman: In other words, the Department claims the right to specialise. Mr Casey eaid that occasions occurred ■woen men were transferred from branch to branch. He asked if a line ■wns now to be rigidly drawn. The Chairman remarked that on aceenmt of the growth of the Department, interchange of officers from branch to branch would become well nigh impossible., After evidence was taken, Mr Casey " said that the whole service was deeply interested in the matter, for it was regarded as an indication that the Department was reverting to the old system of branch classification -which -was «i vogue in 1902. The Board reserved its decision.