THE "RAGGING" INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 1 November 1907, Page 2

THE "RAGGING" INQUIRY.

Per Press Association. Christchurch, Lost Night. The 'Tagging" inquiry commenced today before Mr. Bishop, S.M., at the railway station. Mr. Bishop stated the allegations to be were those of the lad Arthur Bray," whose case recently attracted much public notice. Alexander McKenzie, foreman in the Christchurch cleaning-sheds, gave evidence that Bray came to Christchurch from Timaru. He was at first employed on the day shift, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and started nightwork on 21st October. He was placed in charge of the senior McNeish, to supervise his work and see that he was not interfered with. On the morning of 22nd October the night foreman reported that Bray had left after four and a-lialf hours' work, giving no reason. Witness saw Bray next morning, and he said he had been pelted with - greasy cotton, called •slurry," by other cleaners, and that he was not going to stop and be made a ! target of. He said also that he tried to find .the night foreman, but failed. Bray resumed work, and witness went to Timaru. On his return he asked Bray why he had complained to the Lyttelton Times before speaking to witness, this being a breach of the regulations. Bray replied that the matter was of public interest, and that he was justified in making the statement through the newspapers.

After lengthy evidence witness said, in reply to Mr. Bishop, that he believed "slurrying" was a common thing amongst cleaners. He had been thirtyfour years in the service, and had never been connected with any ragging or bullying.

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 goo"part. The cleaners had not talked about making; it warm for Bray. John H. Graham, the night foreman, said the practices now in vogue in the sheds were nothing compared to those in vogue when he joined. He did not think that Bray's experience in Timaru had affected the treatment accorded to him in Christchurch,

The inquiry was then adjourned till to-morrow.