AFTER 37 YEARS' SERVICE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1166, 29 June 1911, Page 6

AFTER 37 YEARS' SERVICE.

A RAILWAY CLERK'S DISMISSAL, (By Telegraph-Press Association.) Christchurch, Juno 2S. The Railway Appeal Board, consisting of Messrs. W. St. Haselden (chairman), J. Gray (representing the First Division), and P. Laines (representing the Second Division), sat at Lyttelton this morning to consider tho appeal of Win. Joseph Harrington, clerk, against his dismissal from the Service for being under the influence of liquor. Mr. Davidson, who appeared for the Department,' said that appellant practically admitted being under the influence of liquor on February U last, when he was suspended. In reply to.'Mn Hnselden, appellant admitted that he was intoxicated on that occasion, but he had been unwell, and had taken some brandy as a medicine. Evidence on behalf of appellant was given by Joseph Smart (casual railway hand), Win, Smart (railway clerk), George Christopher Smith (merchant),■ John Foreman (retired railway .servant), Win. Wales, and Jas. T. Norton. Appellant stated that lie had been in the service of tho Railway Department since 187-t, and was within'eight months of retiring on a pension after 37 years' service. He admitted his knowledge of the regulation providing for dismissal from the Service for being under the influence of. liquor while on duty, but considered that under fho circumstances his punishment was too severe, and was unjust. Mr. Davidson briefly'addressed the board, who then adjourned.