QUESTION OF A DISMISSAL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 33, 2 November 1917, Page 9

QUESTION OF A DISMISSAL

APPEAL UPHELD Br Teleeraph—Press Association. Auckland, November }• The hearing of the appeal of William Alfred Rockland against his alleged wrongful dismissal from the Auckland Electric Tramways Company' 6 servico concluded yesterday. Jlr. Cutten, S.M., presided. , Mr. Charles Rhodes represented the employers, and Mr. P. Richardson tho employee. Judgment was given that the grounds for the dismissal of appellant were utterly untenable, and that Rockland acted in a perfectly proper mariner in making a complaint about Davey to the P O [ ICO Tho grounds for dismissal. were that Rockland mado ft suggestion that Dnvey should bo interviewed, to secure against hini a conviction for sedition. A great deal had been made of Uie suggestion that in proposing that someone should interview Davey, Rockland had laid a, trap for him. It was i the possible course the police oould take. _ 'IV suggest thnt a man was .worthy of dismissal because he made a perfectly proper suggestion to the police was absurd. >-0 little did tho letter of dismissal explain the grounds that Rocklanu was left with tho idea that tliiire must have been some other cause for dismissal, and the a s' s " trate was inclined to take this view, [he Magistrate had not the slightest hesitation in 6aying there wore no grounds whatever for Rockland's dismissal, hore was nothing to show that Rockland had acted in-other than a proper manner, and for these reasons he was of opinion that the apneal should be allowed. Mr. Richardson agreed that the appeal should bo upheld. Mr. R.hodes said he was nnable to agree with the majority; ho was convinced appellant was actuated by teoling when lie made suggestions to Detective Gourloy. He could not see any evidence that gave support, to Rockland's statement regarding the disloyalty of Davey. He thought tho general manager was justified in disehaTgine Rockland [rem the service and that tho appeal should be dismit-sed.