RAILWAY APPEALS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15929, 16 June 1917, Page 15

RAILWAY APPEALS.

v DELAY IN MEDICAL EXAMINATION. Appeals by the Railway Department on behalf of numerous employees, previously adjourned sine die,, wero reopened. before the First Wellington Military Service Board on ■ Thursday. The men concerned included those from the first and second two hundred released by the Department, wlio have been before the Medical Board. Out of 91 names placed before the Board it was shown that CI had been passed as fit ("A"), three put in class "C," and 1 the remainder classed as unlit for active service ("02"). Mr It. W. McViUy represented tho Railway Department.^ The Chairman of tho Board (Mr D. Gr. A. Cooper, S.M.) referred to the delay which had taken place in the medical examination of men. He understood that in tho first place instructions were given not to examino railway employees owine; to the fact that their appeals wero being adjourned sine die. The position, however, altered when the Railway Department made arrangements whereby a number of men could be released. Instructions wero then given to examine the men, but this could not be dono all at once. I

Mr McVilly said he could not understand the reason for the delay, which was annoying to the Department. Tlie Department was very anxious to get rid of the 150 men already promised. Until thej* were taken the Railway Department was absolutely tied up. It wanted to see how many inoro could be spared, but under tlio present circumstances it was impossible to do anything in that direction. '"I hope the medical authorities will push the examination." Mr Cooper: The Boards arc now pushing the examinations. They bavo been very pressed with work, and in some country places have only been sitting once per month. * Mr McVilly: We understand that, and wc arc prepared to send the men, where possible, to j)laccs where the Board sits fairly regularly.

Mr Cooper: That will facilitate matters, Captain Walker? Captain WaJker (military representative): That is so, 6ir.

3tr McVilly reiterated that until the 150 men were cot rid of it was impossible for the Department to sav how many more men could be sparetf. The Department was anxious to do everything possible. Mr Cooper: The Board appreciates very fully what the Department is doing. Mr McVilly: I am glad that is recognised. There has been an impression—an erroneous one —that we do not desire to give any men. Mr Cooper: Thcro is no such impression with the members of this Board.

Mr McVilly: While we are anxious to rrleaso the men as soon as possible we desire to interfere as little as possible with the organisation. After a general discussion, daring which it was stated that the next batch of men would number about 100, it was decided to adiourn all the cases until the first meetine in July. The'first 150, stated Mr McVilly, would no into camp on 26tli instant.