MILITARY SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 126, 21 February 1941, Page 9

MILITARY SERVICE

Seeking Of Exemption For

Men In Industry

INFORMATION ASKED OF EMPLOYERS It was the duty of employers seeking exemption from military service for some of their workers on the grounds of public interest to supply clear and accurate information concerning theii staffs, said Mr. W. I'’. Stilwell, S.M.. chairman of the Wellington Armed Forces Appeal Board, yesterday, when the majority of eases heard were appeals based on public interest. The subject was introduced by the Crown representative, Mr. C. O. Bell, after an application iu whicli such details were lacking. He said that, without the provision of this information the board would not. be in a proper position to judge the needs of the industry concerned. Footwear Industry.

It. Hannah and Co., Ltd., footwear manufacturers. appealed on the grounds of public interest for Charles Vincent Magttrk, journeyman finisher, Charles Frederick Leon Symons, journeyman maker, and Herbert. Llojd George Morgan, journeyman clicker.

’William Denby, factory manager said 'it was impossible to get skilled operatives and the men were essential in the carrying out of contracts for military footwear. His firm was niakiii” fully 80 per cent, of the military footwear in the Wellington district and the three men for whom appeals were lodged were wholly engaged on this work and had all been trained by the companv. There were about 200 males in the factory. About 40 were eligible for the first division. He pointed out that the Government was concerned about the shortage of skilled operatives in the trade and had set up a school for instruction. The appeal for Magurk was dismissed and those for Symons and Morgan adjourned sine die. W. S. Livingstone and Co., Ltd., footwear manufacturers, appealed on the grounds of public interest and hardship on behalf of Colin Richard Williams, boot clicker, and 'Walter John Robert James, pressman. Williams and his father both appealed on his behalf on the same grounds. Williams said he cculd manufacture military footwear and was willing to work in any part of the Dominion. The company’s application on behalf of Williams was withdrawn and his own appeal was dismissed. The appeal of James was adjourned sine die.

Handling of Stripping.

The Wellington Harbour Board apliealed on behalf of Noel William Bennett, electric crane attendant, on the grounds of .public interest and hardship. Mr. F. W. Reed, chief executive officer, who appeared for the board, said that about 100 of the board’s staff were on military service. It was essential to retain crane drivers in order to ensure quick handling of overseas ships. A sine die adjournment was granted. The ’Wellington Patent Slip Company appealed on behalf of 'William Stephen O’Brien, assistant boilermaker, and Hugh Moorhead 'Marks, engineer, on the grounds of public interest. Sine die adjournments were granted. S. Wakein and Sons, Ltd., soft goods manufacturers, appealed on behalf of Leslie Victor Foley, head cutter, and Edward Richard Franklin Wilson, apprentice cutter, on the grounds of public interest and hardship. Mr. H. A. Kennard, who appeared for the company, said the calling of these two men placed the company in an awkward position as they were the only cutters the company had. In the soft goods trade cutters were the most skilled and essential workers. It would be very difficult to replace them. The company had a number of military contracts, if one of the men was to be called up the company would prefer that Wilson be taken, but that such calling be deferred for a period to enable another man to be trained. A sine die adjournment was granted in Foley's ease. Wilson’s application was dismissed conditional on his not being called up before May 2. L. M. Silver aud Co., Ltd., appealed ou behalf of John Wilson Silver, electrician, on the grounds of public interest. Mr. A. McNeil, secretary of the company, said that of the general staff of 30, 13 were on military service, and of the executive staff of 24 12 were on service. It was practically Impossible to replace qualified electricians. A sine die adjournment was granted. Associated Motorists Petrol Co., Ltd., appealed on the grounds of public interest and hardship for William Henry Alexander Graham, stocks accountant Mr. F. C. Spratt, who appeared for the appellant company, said Graham was a key employee and it would be difficult to replace him. Tire application was dismissed conditional on Graham not being called up before August 20.

Johnny Walker, Ltd., butchers, appealed on the grounds of public interest and hardship on behalf of Ronald George Ferguson, butcher. It was stated that the firm was endeavouring to get another man. The appeal was adjourned for three months.