E.F.C.A.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 4 March 1927, Page 7

E.F.C.A.

A BRTJRATOR ’ S FINDING S. By Tel«ffraph—Press Association, WELLINGTON, March 3. After hearing disputes and differences in the ranks of the Association of Railway Engineers, Firemen awl Cleaners, in connection with the relationships existing between the general secretary of the Association (Mr AY. McArley), and certain members of the Executive Council, Air C. E. Page, S.M., the arbitrator, gave reserved judgment in the case to-day. The Alagistrate found that the election to the board in place of Air Carroll was a valid one, and that Air AlcArley was still general secretary, as in Ins opinion he had not validly been suspended from that position. “AVas David Greig duly elected as a member of tho Executive and Grand Council?” ‘‘The evidence shows,” said Air Page, “that in 1926 J. J. Pennell tendered his resignation and tho general secretary took steps to hold an election to fill 4'no vacancy. Two nominations were received, namely, Pennell,and A. D. Greig. On January 25, 1027, the general secretary, as returning officer, declared that Pennell was not eligible for nomination, and therefore declared Greig duly elected. ‘‘l am of opinion” proceeded the Alagistrate, “that the reasons given by tho returning officer lor his refusal to accept Pennell’s nomination !are untenable. He was eligible for nomination and! his nomination should have- bien accepted . There had been no valid election,” said Air Page, “and Greig was not a member of the executive nor of the Grand Council.”

In Air Page’s opinion, as Robert Carroll, for some time president of the Association, had to leave the foot-plate of the 'engine through failing vision, he was under Rule 88 ineligible to hold the office of president, and it Ithyefleupqn. became vacant, and Frederick John Lewin is now president byl virtue of the result of a ballot for the purpose. As to whether AYilliara McArley was on or about February 7, 1927, effectively nspended from the position of general secretary, Air Page said in his opinion, he was not. The evidence showed that on the day before rhe closing of a ballot for a new president, a meeting at- somewhat short notice Was convened by the late president and three members of the executive, and at' this meeting was not validly called,, purporting to suspend AlcArley. “In view of my finding above that ihe office of president was at that time vacant,” concluded His Worship, “I think that ibis meeting was : not valid by called, nor validly constituted. In myi opinion therefore Mr McArley has not been suspended from the position of general tecretary.”No Older as to costs was made.