with the managing director of the hotel emphasising that their reinstatement was "out of the question''.

Mr. George Robinson made the statement after he and BIU president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons presented their final summations before the Essential Industries Disputes Settlement Board.

During earlier proceedings, Mr. Simmons said his final witness, Mr. Barry Smith, had been fired because of "allegations and assertions ... not proof''.

The dining room captain was dismissed by Maitre d' Mr. Dean Smith on the evening of November 22, 1991, after being accused of pocketing money intended as payment for a couple's dinner.

In his version of events, Mr. Barry Smith said the guests in question, Mr. and Mrs. H. McCullough, told him they were on one of the hotel's meal plans, so he did not charge them for dinner.

The plan includes meals in the price of accommodation, and guests must only pay for drinks. Both Grotto Bay management and the BIU agreed the couple consumed and paid for two cocktails and a bottle of wine.

Mr. Barry Smith said he presented the couple with their drink bills following dinner, which they paid for with a $100 travellers' cheque. Because the bar did not have enough change, the cheque was cashed at the front desk. Mr. Barry Smith then paid the bar for the drinks, and handed the remainder over to Mr.

and Mrs. McCullough.

Mr. Barry Smith contended he only found out the couple was not on the meal plan after they left the dining room. He said he informed the Maitre d' of the situation, but the Maitre d' accused him of stealing the money.

Management testimony contradicted this account, stating the only meal cheque Mr. Barry Smith produced was blank, and that the travellers' cheque was never found.

The fired worker said he asked Mr. Dean Smith to call the guests in their room and ask them to come back down, but the Maitre d' reportedly told Mr. Smith that he "didn't want to get the guests involved''.

He and general secretary of the BIU, Ms Molly Burgess, also said they suggested calling the Police, but management once again declined, saying they wished to "save Mr. Smith any embarrassment''.

Throughout questioning, Mr. Smith denied stealing from Grotto Bay at any time during his employment. Testimony was heard earlier that fellow employees had complained of him "skimming'' tips.

The Grotto Bay managing director wondered aloud why the BIU had waited so long to bring Mr. Smith's case before the Board.

Mr. Robinson stressed that an "important'' factor in the "straightforward'' case was the missing travellers' cheque, which was not found at the front desk nor in the accounts department.

In closing, chairman Mr. Michael Mello said the Board would try to produce a final decision on the disputes between the two parties "in a timely fashion''.