ARMY TRAINING OF JOCKEY

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26211, 7 September 1950, Page 9

ARMY TRAINING OF JOCKEY

POSTPONEMENT UNTIL JANUARY GRANTED COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES DECISION The committee considered that a sufficient degree of financial hardship had been established to justify the postponement of Mein’s military training until January 31, 1951, said the chairman of the No. 14 Postponement Committee (Mr A. H. Cavell), after hearing an appeal by Graeme Willis Mein, an apprentice jockey, and by his employer, B. H. Brodie, yesterday. This would enable Mein to do his training in the least busy part of the year, said Mr Cavell.

The appeal, for an indefinite postponement, was made on the grounds of financial hardship to Brodie and of Uie possible effect of military training on Mein’s prospects as a jockey. It was claimed that camp life would cause Mein to put on weight. Mr J. McKnight appeared for the Crown and Mr J. B. Corbett for the appellants. On the opinions of Frank Thomas Henry Bell, secretary of the Canterbury Jockey Club, and of Dr. F. L. Scott, who were called as witnesses, Mein would probably put on weight in camp. Any substantial increase in Mein’s weight—given at 7st 51b—would affect his chances of employment, said Bell. The weights of L. J. Ellis, W. J. Broughton, W. L. Aitken, and A. C. Messervy ranged from 7st 71b to 7st 101 b, he said. Dr. Scott said that the hard work Mein would have to do in the Army would give him a bigger appetite, and he would probably put on weight. It would be most difficult for him to reduce it again. Appeal for Farm Hand

Undue hardship was by A. E. Lovett (Mr E. B. E. Taylor) when seeking postponement of service for his son, Gordon Philip Lovett. Mr Taylor said that Lovett, junior, was the only assistant on his father’s 75acre farm.. The case had been part heard and adjourned so that the reservist could be medically ‘examined. He was found to be fit for service.

Lovett, junior, in evidence, said it would be more convenient for him to go into the N av y in September rather than into the Army earlier in the year.

The committee decided to postpone Lovett’s call-up until May 31, 1951.