A CONDUCTOR’S DISMISSAL

Evening Star, Issue 18259, 26 April 1923, Page 11

A CONDUCTOR’S DISMISSAL

DEPUTATION TO CITY COUNCIL. MATTER TAKEN IN COMMITTEE. One of tho items on the agenda paper at tho meeting of tho City Council on Tuesday afternoon was a request that a deputation from the Otago Tramways’ Industrial Union of Workers should be heard in reference to the dismissal of Conductor Collins from tho tramway service.

Before it was decided to admit the deputation, Cr Begg asked for somo information on the subject, and Cr Scott (chairman of the Tramways Committee) offered to make a statement- It was decided, however, that this pourso was unusual, and the deputation, the speakers of which were Messrs H. Murrow and G. M'Tiguo, was admitted. Mr Murrow asked that before dealing with tho subject tho council should go into committee. Tho matter should really have gone before the Tramways Committee before going to the council; but time was tho first consideration, and it did not allow of the usual course being taken. The Mayor pointed out that it was usual for deputations to bo heard in..open council. • c ■ Mr Murrow said it would be in the interests of tho man concerned and in the interests of the department that the matter should bo dealt with privately. Cr Shaddock said that when a deputation approached the council it ought to bo prepared to state publicly what it had to say. If it were not able to put its ease before the open council, it should refer the matter to the Tramways Com- [ mittec. Tho council had often been accused of keeping matters secret. Ho (thought tho present matter should be j heard openly. _ , Cr Tapley said that in .view of the fact that tho speaker had said there were good reasons for the request that the matter be taken in committee, ho thought that the council should accede to the request. Ho appreciated tho difficulties of these men, inasmuch as there ukiuld not Ibe another opportunity of bringing the matter before the present, council. Under the extraordinary circumstances he saw no objection to the subject being taken in committee. The Mayor said that, personally, ho did not know what the matter was which tho deputation wished to put before them. As Cr Shaddock had said, the usual proj coduro was for a deputation to bo neaxd in open council. However, the muttci was in tho hands of tho council. Or Tapley moved and Cr \vilson seconded a motion that the matter bo taken in committee. . Gr Begg said he wished to give a dear and intelligent vote on the subject, whether it was taken in open council or in committee. Tho proper course was for tho chairman of the Tramways Committee to Jet tho council know the subject matter before tho deputation entered. Cr Scott said he had offered to give tho information. The Mayor said he hoped they would keep clear of electioneering matters. Deputations had often been received by tho council without an explanation being given as to what was to be put before it. After more discussion tho motion was carried. , Messrs Murrow and M'Tiguo then outlined their case to tho council, and several questions were asked. After tho deputation had withdrawn there was some discussion, and it was decided to refer the matter to the Tramways Committee, which is still in office till the" new council is elected.