EXTRAORDINARY PROCEEDINGS. CHARGE AGAINST RAILWAY CLEANERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 89

EXTRAORDINARY PROCEEDINGS. CHARGE AGAINST RAILWAY CLEANERS.

RAILWAY PARSIMONY. (Fkoh Oue Ottn Coeeespondekt.) GREYMOUTH, August 21. A case which has attracted -a great deal of interest is one wherein two cleaners in the Railway Department were charged with breaking and entering. The evidence showed that cleaners are all allowed a certain amount- of waste and oil with which to clean the engines. It is contended that this is not nearly sufficient for the purpose, and though repeated applications have "been made to the department no alteration ha 6 been made. It is alleged that the cleaners solve the question by helping themselves to waste. In consequence of the stock at the local sheds gradually disappearing, the local police officer and a couple of railway officials cut a hole in the wall, and watched from 9 p.m. to 4 o'clock next morning. At the latter hour two cleaners came along, filed a. hinge of the door, j and then opened a cupboard. At this stage the detective stepped forward and arrested the lads. In giving his judgment, Mr Turton, S.M., said the two accused were charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime. The evidence as to the breaking and entering depended entirely on Detective Campbell's evidence, as the other two witnesses for tlie Crown did not see the breaking, and could not tell what was being done. The evidence showed that a cupboard had be-en opened, and one of the accused was caught with a small brush in his haii3. He was satisfied that no jury would convict on this evidence if the case were €enfc for trial, and therefore he should dismiss the information. The Star, commenting on the case, states that the proceedings reflect little credit on the Railway Department. The regulation which provides for the doling out of the necessary material for cleaning the engines was brought into effect during that unfortunate period of railway management when the commissioners controlled its -working, and has never been altered, although complaints I have constantly been made of the absolute necessity for a. more liberal allowance being granted. Representations couched in respectful but forcible language have been placed before the management, asking for an so far without success. Had the evidence for the defence been called, facts would have been brought out that would have emphasised these complaints materially, and have shown that the regulations are enforced with as much severity as "srere the laws of the "Medes and Persians. Bui only ca,uglit a cold. He said. '"Atchoo ! By Jove, I wish I'd <lono as I was told. This is indeed a hacking cousin. Good name it's sot, I'm sure !" Bu,t next day h<v was right Through Woods' Great Peppermint Cure.