APPEAL DISMISSED

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 43, 19 August 1943, Page 7

APPEAL DISMISSED

MAN ON ESSENTIAL WORK

The case of a man who wished to reduce his daily working hours by half an hour to take up spare-time work came before the Auckland Man-power (Industrial) Committee on Tuesday. The appellant was, Richard. Flaherty, who appealed against the man-power officer's refusal to allow him to terminate his employment with the Railway Department. Flaherty, a surfaceman, said his wages were insufficient for him to maintain a wife and four children. If he were allowed to reduce his daily hours by half an hour, bringing his working week from 48 hours to 45 hours, he would be able to supplement his income by taking spare-time work. He had asked for this, but had been refused.

Mr. J. P. P. Clouston. the Crown representative, said that Flaherty was of an age which gave him a military liability.

Flaherty: I am a citizen of Eire and am not liable for military service. Mr. Clouston: In spite of that, while you are in New Zealand you can be used on essential work. If you are a citizen of Eire you can- be deported at your own cost.

Flaherty: I would be willing to do that.

The district engineer for the Railway Department, Mr. H. W. Beasley, said the Department had a big job to do under difficult conditions and could not afford tb lose staff." If Flaherty were allowed to. reduce his daily hours it would upset the working gangs, and the precedent would be a dangerous one.

The appeal was dismissed.