RADIO ARTIST

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24850, 23 March 1944, Page 6

RADIO ARTIST

DIRECTION TO FACTORY health appeal upheld "Appellant was ft well-known radio entertainer who conducted the session from IZB entitled 'Chuckles with Jerry," said the mnnpmver officer's representative, Mr. W. A. Leggett, when G. C. Tollerton (Mr. Goldstine) appealed to the Auckland Manpower (Industrial) Committee yesterday against his direction to Abels, Limited, as a factory hand. The appeal was on health and financial grounds. "He was not directed when he conducted the session, as it was well known and popular and it was felt that it contributed to the morale of the people," continued Mr. Leggett. "Unfortunately, appellant was convicted lotusing his premises as a common gaming house. It was his first offence, but if a person is charged with bookmaking or using premises as a gaining house it is considered that ho has time on his hands and we make a practice of directing him to essential work."

Medical Certificates However, from the manpower point of view this case was prejudiced at the outset by the perfect battery of medical certificates produced, said Mr. Leggett. All were from reputable doctors from various parts of the country. Fight medical certificates were then read by Mr. Leggett. They showed that appellant had been treated over a period of years for asthma. Some said he was not suited for factory work, others that he should be engaged only in light employment which was not completely sedentary and in' the fresh air," while one mentioned that he had bad to give up ventriloquism on account of his asthma.

"The total purport of the medical reports is such that we must give in and ask leave to withdraw the direction," said 31 r. Leggett. "It is for the committee to decide whether he is fit for any work at all, and, if so, to make some recommendation to us." Health ol Appellant Appellant was previously in very lucrative employment in broadcasting, said Mr. Goldstine. No one in good health would have given up the position but he could not carrv on. A specialist advised appellant that unless lie rested for a considerable period there would bo serious consequences. As a result he gave up conducting his radio session and found himself with 110 income. He acceded to a request to act as an agent for someone and this resulted in the unfortunate incident which brought this direction about. Appellant was 44 and had been classified unfit for the Home Guard.

Appellant said he was quite willing to do work of national importance. The appeal was upheld on medical grounds.