Fire Board Dismisses Foreman James

Northern Advocate, 25 August 1943, Page 4

Fire Board Dismisses Foreman James

That the superintendent’s report re the dismissal ot Foreman H. W James be received, and that the dismissal be confirmed on the grounds of insubordination. This resolution was carried at s meeting of the Whangarei Fire Board today alter a lengthy discussion had taken place in committee, during which Mr James was heard. The subject was introduced in open meeting of the board when a letter was received from Mr James in which lie stated that after many years’ service, he had been dismissed from the brigade without any reason being given, and. he asked to be heard before the board. The chairman (Mr S. B. Macdonald) said he understood there had been some unpleasantness between the rank and file and the superintendent, and a confidential report had been submitted by the superintendent, which he considered should be taken in committee. Information Given Away Mr J. S. Woolley said that what had transpired at the last committee meeting of the board was made known to outsiders, and this he strongly objected to. Mr R. V. Thompson alleged that within 24 hours much of what had taken place in committee was conveyed to a member of the Whangarei Borough Council by a certain individual. whom he named. This councillor, he alleged, knew all particulars as to how members voted. He brought the matter up with the councillor’s approval. He strongly opposed going into committee, and he considered that any further discussion should be taken in open meeting. The chairman (Mr S. E. Macdonald) considered the subject matter of the superintendent's report should be taken in committee, as it was of a confidential nature. If anyone violated the confidential nature of his duties he (the chairman) would take it up. He was glad to know that no member of the board had been responsible for any information becoming public. In An Awkward Position Mr Woolley stated that at the meeting of the borough council he had been placed in an awkward position when the question had been asked as to how representatives voted. He had remained dumb, although it appeared to be known outside how he had voted. Mr Thompson further alleged that it had been stated be had been bought over. Before such a thing could happen he would resign from the board. The board then went into committee. and upon resuming, the following resolution was carried: "That the superintendent's report re the dismissal of Foreman H. W. James be received, and tha: the dismissal be confirmed on the grounds of insubordination." Services Acknowledged The chairman said all realised that Mr James had been a very valuable member of the brigade, and the board's action had been taken with the greatest regret. Over a period of many years Mr James had given very valuable service, and the speaker was very sorry indeed the trouble had arisen. Mr R. V. Thompson thought the action taken would cause a lot of trouble in the brigade. Another member thought there would be a happier brigade. Mr Woolley thought Mr James should be thanked for bis services. The chairman: This will certainly be clone.