APPEAL ALLOWED

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32413, 29 March 1944, Page 7

APPEAL ALLOWED

COOK AT HOSPITAL WORK AT MERCURY BAY DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE At a sitting of the Industrial Manpower Committee held in Thames recently, Mrs E. R. Haynes, cook at the* Mercury Bay 'Hospital, appealed against the decision of the manpower officer’ refusing to terminate her employment. Mr A. G. Bryan appeared for the appellant and explained that she had been cook at the Mercury Bay Hospital for the last three years. She appealed on two grounds, one personal and the other in connection with the conditions of her appointment. Evidence Of Appellant In her evidence, Mrs ; Haynes stated that, in addition to her long hours of work, she had to look after three children, and she desired a change for the sake of the children’s education. She had applied to the board to, be relieved but so far the board had not done anything to alter the position. Owing to the extra hours she was called upon to work her general health had suffered.

Mr A. L. Neighbour, secretary of the Thames Hospital Board, in evi-

dence, stated that Mrs Haynes had asked to be relieved of her position, and he had endea'voui’edto find someone to take her place, but so far had not been successful. There were five hospitals. under the board’s control and none had a spare cook. The chairman, Mr J. O. Liddell, asked whether it would be possible to get a member of the staff to relieve Mrs Haynes for. certain hours during the day. Fifty-two hours a week was too long for any woman to have to work. Mr Neighbour said it was most difficult to .. all the five institutions fully staffed. He could only promise to endeavour to find somebody to relieve Mrs Haynes. The committe decided that the appeal be allowed, but that Mrs Haynes remain in her present position until May 1. . In the meantime the hours of work were to be reduced.

Further Coromandel News will be found on Pages 6 and 8.