RAILWAY APPEAL BOARD

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2917, 1 November 1916, Page 6

RAILWAY APPEAL BOARD

AN INSPECTOR'S CASE. Yesterday, the Railway Appeal BoarcTlieard tho appeal of Thomas Ashby, inspector of permanent way, Wellington, against his being superseded on D 3 list by Inspector Hislop, Hamilton, and Inspector Noyc. The case was hoard beforo Mossrs. W. R. Haselden, S.M. (Chairman), A. W. Hutchiugs, and J. L. Churchouse. Mr. M. Leo appeared for the appellant, and Mr. J. M'Donald for the Railway Department. Evidence was given by Frederick Charles Widdop, district engineer, Wellington, that ho had not recommended the appellant for promotion because ho had not thought him suitable; be considered him a fair inspector, and did not think ho could satisfactorily fill the position of senior inspector at present. However, appellant's work had been carried out satisfactorily, and witness had no fault to find with him.

Tho appellant deposed that lie had been thirty-four years in tho service, about twelvo years as an inspector of permanent way. During that time he had not had any adverse report from the superior officer on his section. Tho duties of his section had increased during thejast three and a half years. Fiiteon miles of track and many sidings had been added.

F. W. MacLeau, chief engineer for railways, gavo evidence to tho effect that ho had considered Ashby's case carefully. Appellant did not compare favourably in resourcefulness and technical knowledge with the men who were promoted. Men could not be promoted irrespective of merit, because such a system would lessen tho effioioncy_ of the Department. Decision was reserved.