SUSPICIONS REMOVED BY THE MINISTER'

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15774, 15 December 1916, Page 7

SUSPICIONS REMOVED BY THE MINISTER'

(special to <; the press.") DUXEDIX. I>ecpniber 14From several quarters there- have; been whisperings during the past week that influential reservists have been trying to "pull the strings" and use means that are not available to reservists in general, in the hope of obtaining exemption. There is also a feeling that in the present undeveloped stato of affairs, there is a possibility of Ministers exercising undue influence with the Military Service Boards. In view of there suspicions, two queswere put to tlie lion. James Allen this morning, and elicited replies which are appended. 'i'lie lirs:. (juestion was as to wnewier it ir permissible for a;iv reservist who i> engaged in an essential industry obtain a certificate of exemption without, appearing before the. -Military vice Hoard!' To this .Mr Allen replied: Not a soul can a certificate of oxeiuption otherwise tiian from the Board. Lvery 172 an mn.st appear before the Board p<?rsfiiiallv or send sufficient evidence to justify the Board in coming to a finding. The doubts you speak about may arise through the operation oi Regulation No. •:>. This allows the Minister to send a certificate to tae Board to sav. that the man belongs to an essential industry. That power is used very sparingly, and when it is used tho certificate does not exempt a man; it is for the Board to dtc.de as to whether he is to be exempted. This question of essential industries is to be thrcshe'l out with the Boards at tho conference to-morrow. The next query was: Is it necessary for a. clergyman to apply for exemption, or will these applications bo made by the heads of the churches? _ . Mr Allen replied : Tho head of his church may send in the notice of appeal, and appear for the clergyman. He has no option. He may appear personally or by a solicitor, or by his bishop. :Mtb REINFORCEMENTS. Th« Christchurch quota of the 24th Rcinforeementa will leave for Wellington on l'riday, January sth, not "Wednesday, January 3rd. as previously announced. YESTERDAY'S ENLISTMENTS. The following enlisted yesterday: — Jonathan P. Bugg, 3 York street, Opawa, Gas Company employee, married. Ernoet 0. R. Anderson, Burnside road, Fendalton, Christchurch, draughtsman, single. Leonard Holling,- 37 Rawson street, New Brighton, motor mechanic, single. Clarence R. Murray, Caehmero Hills, reader, single. -■ And one other, single.