WITHDRAWAL OF APPEALS

Southland Times, Issue 24887, 29 October 1942, Page 4

WITHDRAWAL OF APPEALS

CRITICISM OF ACTION Strong criticism of the abrupt withdrawal at the previous sitting of appeals for three tramway motormen was expressed by the Crown representative on’the Southland Armed Forces Appeal Board (Mr J. W. Hinchey) last night when the city tramway manager (Mr A. C. Carman) appeared in support of an appeal for release from camp of an inspector. The appeal was opposed by the Army Department. When the case was called Mr Hinchey said the board would remember that at the last sitting three appeals for tramway motormen had been withdrawn when they were called. AU the machinery of the appeals had been put in motion. The time of the office, of the Army Department and the board itself had been wasted and the board was entitled to ask Mr Carman who was responsible for that farce. Mr Carman said he was sorry if he had appeared discourteous. It had certainly not been intended. He had been wrongly instructed about the Tramways Man-Power Utilization Committee by one of the council representatives on the committee to the effect that the committee’s recommendations were final.

In reply to Mr Hinchey, Mr Carman said the information had been given to him by Cr W. H. Boyes. He had been told that it would be possible to secure the release of two men from camp. Cr Boyes had since said he had been wrong. Mr Carman said he had now been told to attempt to get the men released. It seemed to have been a misunderstanding. Mr Hinchey: It was evidently not Mr Carman’s fault. Someone took it on himself to tell Mr Carman what can be done and what can’t be done. DAYS OFF CANCELLED

Mr Carman said the application was for the release of James Troon, an inspector, from camp. He was 50 years of age and a returned soldier from the last war. If he was released an acting inspector would go back to motorman. One of the three men whose appeals had been withdrawn had gone to camp and as a result from nine to 12 days off a week were being cancelled among the 23 motormen. The position would become worse, as another man would be leaving for camp next month ana a holiday roster would involve a further shortage. Captain D. Dun, for the Army, said Troon had been taken into camp in January as a junior corporal, but he was now a platoon sergeant and an. efficient and capable instructor. The Army felt he was giving more service to the country than as a tramway inspector. He had been through several special courses. Speaking in support of an appeal for G. W. Boivin, a motorman, Mr Carman said the men were working probably four hours overtime a week. The department could only meet the position by reducing the service. It had been cut down already, but the load was not falling. . Mr Hinchey: Have you a limit on the number of passengers you can put into a tram? Mr Carman (laughing): Dont ask questions like that. Mr D. W. Stalker (a member of the board): The trams have never been full yet. The reservist opposed the appeal. He said men called in ballots subsequent to him had been released. He had been accepted for service in the Air Force and wished to go. The appeal was dismissed at January 31, 1943. An appeal on behalf of O. R. G. Harris, motorman, was adjourned sine die.