RAILWAY APPEALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17038, 23 June 1917, Page 7

RAILWAY APPEALS

DELATII IN MEDICAL EXAMINATION.

Appeals by the Railway Department on behalf of numerous employees, previously adjourned sine die, wero reopened before the First Wellington Military Service Board last week. The men concerned included those from the first and second 200 released by the department, who have been before the Medical Board. Out of 91 names, placed before the board it was shown that 61 had been passed as fit ("A"), three put in_ class "C," and the remainder classed as unfit for active service (" C2"). Mr R W. M'Villy represented tho Railway Department. The Chairman of the board (Mr D. G. A. Cooper, S.M.) referred to tho delay which had taken place in the medical examination of men. He understood that in the first place instructions wore given not to examine railway employees owing to the fact that their appeals were being adjourned sine die. The position, however, altered whon the Railway Department made arrangements whereby a number of men could be released. Instructions were then given to examine the men, but this could not be. done all at once.

Mr M'Villy said he could -not understand the reason for the delay, which was annoying to the department. The, department was very anxious to get rid' of the 150 men already promised. Until they wrje taken the Railway Department -was absolutely tied up. It wanted to see how mrmy more could be Fjiared, but under the present circumstances it was impossible to do anything in that direction. "I hope the medical authorities will push tho examination." Mr Cooper: Tho boards are now pushing tho examinations. They have been very pressed with work, and in some country places have been sitting only once per month. Mr M'Villy: Wo understand that, and wo are prepared to send the men, wliere possible. to places whero tho board sits fairly regularly. Mr Cooper: That will facilitate matters, Captain Walker? Captain Walker (military representative): That is so, sir. Mr M Tilly reiterated that until the 150 men were got rid of it was impossible for the department to say 'how many »;rro men could be spared. Tho department was anxious to do everything possible. Mr Cooper: The board appreciates very, fully what the department is doing. Mr M'Villy: lam glad that is recognised. There has been an impression—an erroneous one—that we do not desire to give any men. Mr Cooper: There is no such impression with the members of this board. Mr M'Villy: While we are anxious to releaso the men as soon as possible we desire to interfere as little as possible with the organisation. After a< general discussion, during which it was stated that the noxt ba±ch of men would number about 100, it was decided to adjourn all the cases until the first meeting in July. The first 150, stated Mr M'Villy, would go into camp cn the 26th inst.