M. J. MACK.]

D.—2.

in so far as the men were concerned if it were in favour of£the men, but he remembered'carefully everything in regard to the foremen. He is the man who states that_he has the interests of the shunters at heart and believes that everything that can be done should be done'for their welfare, and yet he never saw the points that are at his front door. He did not see that lights were required ; he did not see that the levers wanted painting. He saw nothing, only that which was brought under his notice. Is it not clearly his duty to see that everything that can be done ought to be done 'I Now, sir, I have said nearly all I want to say, but before concluding I want to ask the Board to just picture to themselves —Carmichael. Here was a man acknowledged by everybody to be conscientious, hardworking, and anxious to do his duty. Picture Carmichael going home at night weary in limb, worried in mind, recounting to his mate the way in which De Rosa was harassing him. Picture in your mind, sir, the wife's anguish when she heard of the death of her husband — realizing that she would never have anything but a memory of him in the future. Picture to yourself the children who will never know what a father's love will be. Picture to yourselves the story that was told of what a fine fellow he was —what satisfaction he was giving to his officers—■ after he was dead ! Would it not have been better if some of this sympathy and some little encouragement had been given him before ? Had it been so things might have been different, and, sir, if the recommendation of this Board can prevent one more widow, one child saved from the loss of its father, the time and the expense will have been well spent. I have to thank the Board for their courtesy and the consideration they have extended to me. I may have transgressed, and if I have done so lam sorry. I only wish to say that I thank the Board for what they have done. Mr. Carnaclian: Mr. Chairman and gentlemen : I would like to thank the Board for their kindness and consideration extended to me and the manner in which they have allowed me to bring forward the evidence of my witnesses, and also to the latitude allowed in the cross-examination of witnesses brought before the Board. In conclusion, I would also like to say that I desire to thank Mr. Mack. I think he has been absolutely fair in the conduct of his cross-examinations. Mr. Mack : I desire to say that I appreciate and reciprocate Mr. Carnachan's remarks. Mr. J. Brown (Chairman of the Board) : Before concluding I would like, on behalf of the Board, to thank both advocates for the assistance they have given to the Board, and I now declare this sitting closed. (The Board adjourned at 3 p.m. on the 9th September, 1925.) EXHIBIT A. No. 2 Goods-yard Foreman.—Day Shift. Hours of attendance : 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch-hour as convenient. Duties. (1.) In charge of yard and yard staff under the supervision of Senior Foreman. (2.) See that all trains are made up and ready to be despatched on time. (3.) Arrange for prompt removal of inward trains from main line and loop so as to avoid delay at * signals to subsequent trains. (4.) Examine all sidings daily. See that empty wagons through or local wagons are not delayed. gH |Through or local loads on hand longest have preference in despatch even if trains have to be reduced of unperishable goods to do so. Empty wagons to be forwarded promptly as directed by Transport Clerk. (5.) Arrange shunt sheds and sidings at regular hours or as required. Essential that inwards goods be placed in shed or loop promptly. i (6.) Arrange supply shed or loop empty wagons as required. i (7.) Arrange shunt to and from repair-sidings daily. Report to Stationmaster any delay in wagons, agj especially loaded ones. g(8.) Obtain reports from shunting staff re derailments, damage to rolling-stock, &c., which occur during your shift. Append your own covering report, together with a sketch of locality in connection with derailment. ((9.) Arrange for weighing of wagons which have to be weighed. (10.) Responsible for returning vans on trains to districts to which they are allocated. To assist in this direction Wanganui vans should be placed in loops Nos. 11 and 12, Napier-Woodvillc vans on No. 10, and Thorndon vans on Nos. 1 and 5. (11.) Check and initial shunters' time in day-book, and see that correct time has been entered. A very careful watch over the times should be kept. (12.) See that, as far as is practicable, all trains are marshalled before despatch. (13.) Confer with Senior Foreman anil No. 3 on all matters which require co-operation and in which it is considered an expression of opinion is desirable for obtaining better results. (14.) See that all "Wellington goods-wagons received off Nos. 668 and 662 trains have been placed in shed by No. 1 gang.

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