SEAMEN AND SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16468, 19 February 1917, Page 6

SEAMEN AND SERVICE.

LEGAL POINT IN DISPUTE.

BOARD REQUIRES FIGURES.

[BT TEU.GRAFH.— ASSOCIATION.!

WELLINGTON. Saturday. Something in the nature of an argument took place between Captain Baldwin and Mr. W. T. Young, secretary of the Seamen's Union, over an appeal for the exemption of an able seaman engaged on a transport, which was heard before the Military Service Board to-day. Captain Baldwin said that a man who left the country in such circumstances was a deserter.

The Act read as follows:—" The pendency of any such appeal shall in no way suspend the obligation of military service and the obedience imposed on the appellant by this Act, save so far as any such suspension may be expressly allowed to appellant by the Minister for Defence or by a Military Service Board." Mr. Young mentioned a Firemen's Appeal Board, and Captain Baldwin said this had never been set up.

Mr. Young taid provision was made for it in the Act.

Captain Baldwin : It can be set up if the Minister pleases.

In subsequent discussion Captain Baldwin asked for a list of the members of the union, but Mr. Young said that he was not disposed to supply the names. Captain Baldwin then asked for numbers, Mr. Young, replying that there were 400 names on the union roll. Captain Baldwin then said he would want some verification of this number, and also information as to the occupation the men were at present following.

Mr. Young said it would be Impossible to supply the latter request. Captain Baldwin : Well, we can wait till you get it.