RAILWAY APPEAL BOARD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 209, 13 December 1910, Page 5

RAILWAY APPEAL BOARD

SITTING AT CHRISTCHURCH.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night.

The South Island Railway Appeal Board opened its sittings in Christchurch at the Magistrate's Court this morning. Mr. W. R. Haselden, S.M., chairman of the Board, presided. In the appeal of Peter McNab, a fireman, against his discharge for having been under the influence of liquor while on duty, evidence was taken, and decision reserved.

John Kerr, a train examiner at Raugiora, appealed against his dismissal on account of intemperate habits rendering, him unsuitable for retention in the service.

The chairman said that the appellant had been fined for a breach of a prohibition order, and Mr. Hampton (for the appellant) said that he admitted those facts. ■

After hearing evidence, the chairman said that the Board was of opinion that in the interests of the railway service it should be very clear and decided in saying at once that the appeal must be dismissed.

Everett Chappell, an elderly man, who had be,en dismissed for having been under the influence of liquor while on duty on September 13, appealed against the decision of the Department. The evidence taken in the Department's inquiry was repeated. It was to the effect that appellant had been under the influence of liquor while on duty at the Colombo Street level crossing. The appellant's defence was' that his condition was due to illness and want 01 sleep. He had had one glass of port wine on the way to work that day. Decision was reserved.

CONSTITUTION OF THE BOARDS.

Oliristchurch, Last Night.

At a meeting of the Canterbury branch of the Amalgamated Society ol Railway Servants, notice was given 01 the following motions in connection with the constitution of Railway Appeal Boards: That nothing in the Act shall prevent the right of appeal to all members sbown on D 3 list for which due notice has been given; That every decision of the Genera] Manager or permanent head of the Department shall be temporary only, until the Board has considered the case, and power to determine in all cases will vest in the Board; That the power of veto shall not be exercised or the Board's decision altered in any case that does not come strictly under discipline.