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The Council is of the opinion that as to charges (a) and (d) there is some doubt whether he is guilty. There is doubt about the existence of Postal Notes being distinguished from Money Orders, they are therefore prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt on this point.
As to charges (b), (c), (e), and (h) the Council is of opinion that they have been proved against him but that charges (f) and (g) have not been proved nor has charge (G). Mr. Silva having admitted in his evidence that he did not give the actual instructions as are set out in this particular charge.
The Council is further of opinion that Mr. Freire has been guilty of neglect in the performance of his duties, but taking into consideration the very unsatisfactory manner in which the business of the Money Order Office has been conducted, and the fact that Mr. Freire had received no written instructions as to the manner in which he should perform his duties as Audit Examiner, that the full penalty of suspension should not be inflicted.
Mr. Freire is then informed that the Council will give him the choice either of being transferred if possible to another Department at a reduced salary of about $90 a month or of retiring on pension which he is of sufficient age to do.
Mr. Freire informs the Council that of the two he would prefer the former.
The matter is further adjourned to ascertain whether there is any objection on the part of the Acting Postmaster General to Mr. Freire's transfer.