RAILWAY APPEAL BOARDS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1248, 30 January 1896, Page 35

RAILWAY APPEAL BOARDS.

The first sitting of the Railway Appeal Board for the North Island took place on Monday forenoon in the Magistrate's Court. The Board consisted of Mr J. C. Martin, S.M. (chairman) ; Mr H. Davidson, Railway Accountant's Office, Wellington ; and Mr T. Wilson, locomotive fireman, Palmerston North.

There were two cases brought forward for consideration, viz., that of W. Purtonshaw, fireman, New Plymouth, who complained of a reduction of 6d a day in his pay for a period of six months; and that of A. Stubbs, foreman of works, Waipukurau, who appealed against being made responsible and fined for damage arising from alleged neglect in connection with drainage work under his charge. In Burtonshaw's case Mr A. L. Beattie, locomotive manager, Wanganui, appeared on behalf of the department, and explained that the reduction in pay was made in consequence of the action of the driver and fireman of the through train from New Plymouth to Wellington in April last. While the train was on a grade about a mile from Ir.glewood, the driver, thinking there was insufficient water in the tanks of the engine, uncoupled the engine from the train and left the carriages on the main line while he went and obtained water. In doing so he committed a breach of the rules. The guard was not informed of the matter, and the department, after enquiry, reduced the engine-driver to the second class and reduced the pay of the fireman by Gd per day for six months. Mr Martin asked why trie fireman's pay was reduced, seeing that the engine-driver was in charge of the engine. Mr Beattie replied that the department considered the fireman's action in the matter unsatisfactory. The engine had been taken from the train without first seeing that the train was in a position of absolute safety. In answer to a question, the complainant said that the reason assignod by the department for fining him simply was that he did not know the quantity of water in the tanks of the engine. He did know the quantity, and had told the driver that there was no necessity to leave the train, and wanted him to go back. The driver uncoupled the train. Mr Beattie said the department looked upon it that each man had a share of the responsibility. In previous cases driver and fireman had both been punished. In the case of Mr Stubbs the complainant alleged that he had been tried, condemned and fined without due notice and enquiry. Mr J. J. Lawson, resident engineer, Wanganui, appeared on behalf of the department, and evidence was taken. In both cases the Board will report to the Minister of Railways, who has the power of veto. There was originally a third complaint filed by S. J. Bailey, locomotive cleaner, Palmerston North, but it was withdrawn. Dun'kdin, January 27. The Railway Board of Appeal, consisting of Judge Ward and Messrs Baxter and Handisides, sat to-day to consider oases of alleged grievance. There were four cases, but three of these are understood to arise from the same matter. The Board sat in private, and evidently a large number of witnesses were examined. The Board will report its decision to the Minister.