MILITARY SERVICE BOARDS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15896, 9 May 1917, Page 3

MILITARY SERVICE BOARDS.

TWO INTERESTING CASES. A curious ease came before tho First Auckland Servieo Board on Friday, when Edward. C. Falkcner (Mr "Dromgool) made an application to have his enlistment- cancelled. Counsel said appellant volunteered IS months ago, being at first deferred hut afterwards rejected. Subsequently ho received notice to parade for medical examination, and was passed as fit. In tho interval between his rejection and acceptance his circumstances changed, and he was not desirous of going to the front. It was really not a voluntary enlistment, and that being tho case appellant-, being a Native, should not be compelled to serve.

After appellant had given evidence in support, of counsel's statement, and said that his mother was a. Maori and his father an Englishman, he stated than an application for leave went astray, and finding that, as lt .Native In 1 was not a reservist, he put in the present application. Major Con Jan pom led out that under tho Act any reservist could be, called up for incdieal examination without the ballot, if necessary. Mr Burgess: .out the. Medical Board cannot swear him in. This man, however, is uol n reservist, as he

is a Native. After further discussion, tho Board decided to recommend tho Mmister •to eancel the enlistment on tho ground that tho appellant", being a ivativc, was not a Reservist. Thomas Atkinson Bentley, draper, DargaviUe, whose appeal for exemption was previously uealt with, again appeared before the Board, and was requested to sign the regulation undertaking to do civilian work, as provided for by rcccnt War Regulations tor such objectors. Bentley said, ho objected to being subject to the military authorities in any way. The Board pointed out that, the" compact was quite a reasonable and businesslike 0110 on the part of the Government. 110 would get os a day, and would not have to wear a uniform. "I can't see my way to sign this undertaking," said tho supercilious individual, after thinking hard .for. several minutes, tho Board awaiting his pleasure. I aTO afraid 1 cau't sign that. I thought the. Government was going to give religious objectors «• clearance, free of the military. Oncc I sign that lam liable to military commands. \ou say wo tvill be. put on eivilian work, but one doesn't knqw." The chairman considerately explained to tho obstinate voung fellow the probable consequences ol his failure to comply with the formal official wish, but the persuasion seemed like "water on tho duck's back." "If you don't," tho chairman declared, 'then yoti will be sent off to camp and eventually to light like any other man. , You may not be put on any work connected with the military, if on Jiome service. Perhaps you had better think this over." "Very well," tho obdurate one drawled out. 'I he Board again persisted to no effect, and tho objector was requested to weigh the matter over,, otherwise he would havo to go and fight. "Of course, thev can't make a man do a. thing against his will!" Bentley exultantly flashed out as ho left tho box, the Board responding with a chorus of "Oh, oh! Can't they't" in rather changed and grossly offended tone. Major. Coulan said Bentley would be unwise to say that in camp. Tho hero of this drama was given, till Monday to "graciously 'please" the Board with his answer —consent or otherwise.