A BALLOT APPEAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17705, 4 February 1918, Page 4

A BALLOT APPEAL.

SHEEP FARMER ASKS FOR EXTENSION OF TIME.

SHARP COAIAIENT BY CHAIRMAN,

Tlio appeal of F. G. Stanbury for an: extension of time, which came before the First Canterbury Military Service Board at Ivaikoura on Thursday, was the occasion of some sharp cross-talk between the reservist and the chairman (Air J. S. Evans).

Tlio Chairman (with a file of correspondence before him, and addressing appellant) said: “You have written the Prime Alinister and Minister, of Defence, making statements that are absolutely incorrect and unwarranted. You say that you did not get justice from the Military Service Board (which is absolutely false) and the Efficiency Board. That sort of thing docs your case no good. This board will not stand any interference from Alinisters, and writing to them is improper, particularly making false statements.” Appellant said that he did not mean to reflect on the hoard. The Chairman: But you have done so, unwarran’tedly. Appellant urged that there were men quite able to pay a manager and yet they were being exempted. The Chairman: Not by tins board, whom you asperse. You have not taken adequate steps to secure a manager. I gave you the name of Air Appellant: I did not know liis address. The Chairman: I gave it you, Hotel, Christchurch. In answer to a man recommended by the Efficiency Board .you replied, Have no particulars. Come if you like at Air Frostick’s expense.” r Appellant: I heard that the man was no good. Captain Pilkington (military representative) : You say that from street rumour about a man who has served at Gallipoli. Appellant: Aly wife knows him personaliy. I went into camp and loft my brother in chargo of my property. He got pleurisy, had to go to. Christchurch, and I obtained leave of absence, as thero was only a l>oy in chargo of 5000 acres and 4COO sheep. Tlie Chairman: You wrote the Alinister, saying that if you had to go into camp the Government should send a valuer and take over tlie farm, as jWi had been treated in a, dastardly and grossly unjust manner. There are seven brothers in your family, all in a good way, and not one of you serving. One out of the other six should take oyer your property. You have been given every chance to make arrangements and yet you abuse everybody, making false statements. You say in your letter to the Minister that you got no consideration, while quite tho contrary is the fact. Appellant: I did not get any consideration unless it was forced. Captain Pilkington: You were drawn. in the July draft and you got extension until November, and you are not in camp now. 1 The Chairman: Your attitude regarding a manager is most unsatisfactory. If you wanted to make a trip Home you would see that you got a manager. Appellant: A man would be a fool to go to the front without putting up a fight to protect himself and his property. The Chairman: Yet men who have only life at stake risk it, and go ta protect yours and your property without fighting against going. (Applause.) Appellant: Alen worth thousands (one name given) are in the country without fighting. The Chairman: You ask the ment to guarantee you against loss if a manager is put in, and yet tho man whose life is nis only asset gets no guarantee. -

In- a further “passage ” tho chairman characterised the appellant’s attitude as childish.

Having investigated the position regarding affairs on appellant’s property (part of the Green Hills estate), tlio hoard decided to make inquiry of liis brother's m-dlca! attendant regarding physical ability to resume management of the property, and if there was no chance of liis ajile to do so shortly, appellant -would have to get someone else. Meanwhile he would be allowed leave to continue shearing and get harvest work done.