"I'M NOT GOING TO THE WAR"

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2994, 3 February 1917, Page 8

"I'M NOT GOING TO THE WAR"

SCENE BEFORE MILITARY APPEAL BOARD. By Telegraph—Press Association. . . . Chrislchurch, February 2. ■. There was a considerable stir at the 'Military; Appeal Board's sitting today, when Martin Francis Rings, a, clerk, of Caversham Street, appealed on the ground that ho was of German extraction. "Then 1 am sorry for you," remarked .the Chairman, -Ms. H. AV; Bishop, S.M. ... ", , '-. ■ ■-' Rings said that his father had been in New Zealand thirty-eight years, and had been naturalised-for twenty-nine years. He had served for twenty-two years in the Police Force, and then ha.d been discharged' owing to his nationality, with a discharge marked "Conduct not satisfactory," notwithstanding the fact that he had a service and conduct medal. He had also been debarred from receiving a pension -to which he was entitled, and had justly earned. Appellant thereupon appealed on the ground'that'he "had to support his parents, .with the. proviso that he would serve if his father was granted his proper rights. Tho_Cliairman said that that part of the appeal had nothing to do with the Board, and from his knowledge of the case, there were several allegations in the statement of appellant which were untrue. Appellant was liable for ser-' vice,,and ho'would'-'have..'to scire.

• Appellant: 'T am: not'going ..to go to the war. That's straight."

The Chairman: "Oh, aren't you? The. appeal;;is dismissed."

Appellant: "Then you'll have to carry me there, if I go. I tell you I am not going." Appellants father and mother then put m an appearauce'and harangued the Chairman in loud and ' excited terms.

"Blood is thicker than, water, and don't you forget it!" shouted the appellant.

"Why didn't they put me on Somes Island at the start?" demanded rtlie father. , "He is not going to the war," asserted tho mother. .'

The <Chairman ; 'declined to alloweither, of-the parents to-make a statement, and called.for the sergeant to remove the trio.

"Talk .about your British fair play! The Germans are fairer, than that!" was appellant's parting shot. "I am glad rejoined the Chairman.-.->:'• ■.;.'..::.'.'

There was considerable ~noise in the lobby after their departure, but event-ually-peace'was''ras'torea*. ;v