SERVICE APPEALS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20619, 21 November 1941, Page 2

SERVICE APPEALS

MEN FOR OVERSEAS BOARD IN GISBORNE Twenty-two appeals against military service obligations were heard by the No. 4A Armed Forces Appeal Board during its sitting in Gisborne yesterday, a majority of the appeals affecting men called for overseas forces. In only a few instances was exemption asked for, most of the appellant? requiring some relaxation of the regulations in order to complete work ir hand, or to find replacements. The board, which has the responsibility of dealing with conscience appeals against both Territorial anc overseas service, as well as appeals ori grounds of public interest and undue hardship, comprises Messrs. H. B. Lusk, chairman, F. R. Field, and W. PI. Barry, with Mr J. S. Wauchop ar Crown representative, and Mr. J Corbishley as secretary. Cecil John Augustine White, farm labourer fMr. E. T. Brosnahan). appealed on grounds of undue hardship, asking that he be not called upon until April, 1942. The witness said he was married with an infant, but was technically a single man, having married since May, 1940. He wished to establish his wife and child: in their home before he went overseas.—The board granted appellant’s request. Donald Alexander Barrow’s appeal was adjourned until next sitting to enable information to be obtained as to the result of his examination for air force entry. His counsel, Mr. L. C. Parker, stated that Barrow had been examined for the air force, and had begun the educational course, but as yet was not advised whether he would be finally accepted. Blacksmith’s Services Francis John Warrington (Mr. K. A. Woodward), a blacksmith and farrier, appealed on grounds of public interest. He was the only full-time resident blacksmith in his area, and had an extensive business. He was the only young man in the business in the Gisborne district. The witness said he was willing to- serve, and had made attempts to get someone to carry on his business, without success. Henry John Lougher, Charles Tietjen, John Lloyd Graham, and Robert Fenton gave evidence as to the value of the appellant’s services to the farmers of the district.—The board adjourned the appeal sine die. Samuel Thompson,- farmer, appeared for the second time before the board, the case having been adjourned on the first occasion for information on the appellant’s brother’s entry into the air force. One brother was serving overseas, and the other brother was heading for the air force, but was not finally accepted yet. The witness was the only one likely to be left on the farm; tire agreement between the three brothers being that one should stay to keep the place going.—A sine die adjournment was made. Maurice John Doyle, electrician, was appealed for by Ellis and Bull (Mr. K. A. Woodward). Mr. Ralph O. Bull, a director of the firm, said that Doyle was their most valuable employee, having direct charge of major wiring jobs. Several employees of the firm had gone into the forces, and staff shortages were already felt heavily. Doyle had enlisted in the air force, but the firm desired to retain his services.—The appeal was adjourned until January, when it would be considered in conjunction with that of ,the firm for another electrical employee.