RAGGING IN THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2226, 1 November 1907, Page 2

RAGGING IN THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, October 31

The “flagging” enquiry commenced to-day before Mr. Bishop, S. M., at the railway station. Mr. Bishop read a letter from the Premier constituting the enquiry, and stating that allegations to he investigated were those of a lad Arthur Bray, whoso case recently attracted much public notice. Alexander McKenzie, foreman at the Christchurch cleaning sheds, gave evidence that Bray came to Christchurch from Timaru on September 26. He was first employed on the day shift from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and started night work on October 21, and was placed in charge of senior cleaner McNeish to supervise his work and see that he was not interfered with. On the night of October 22, the night foreman reported that Bray left after four and a half hours work, giving no reason. 'Witness saw Bray next morning, who said he had been pelted with greasy cotton, called “slurry” by other cleaners, and was not going to stop to be made a target of. Ho said also that he had tried to find the night foreman, but failed. Bray resumed work, and witness went to Timaru. On his return ho asked Bray why he had complained to the Wellington Times before speaking to witness, this being a breach of the regulations. Bray replied that the matter was of public interest, and justified making a statement through the newspapers. After lengthy evidence witness said, in reply to Mr. Bishop, that lie believed “slurrying” was a common thing among cleaners. He had been 34 years in the service and there had never been any ragging or bullying. . CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 31. At the “ragging” enquiry this afternoon further evidence was given by cleaners to the effect that they did not see “slurries” thrown at Bray or a sack put over him. There was a certain amount of “slurrying” at the sheds, but it was taken in good part. The cleaners had not talked about making it warm for Bray. John Graham, the night foreman, said the, practices now' in vogue in the sheds were nothing compared with those in vogue when he joined. He did not think that Bray’s experience in Tim-, ant had affected the treatment accorded to him in Christchurch. The enquiry was then adjourned until tomorrow i