SERVICE BOARD'S TOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16581, 3 July 1917, Page 6

SERVICE BOARD'S TOUR.

SITTING AT RAWENE.

SHEARER GRANTED EXEMPTION.

[BT TELEttEAPH.-—OWN COBBESPONDEST.] RAWENE. Monday. The First Auckland Military Service Board sat at Rawene to-day. The appeal of George W. Warren, shearer, of Kohukohu, on the ground that he was a member of the Shearers Union, which had been adjourned, wa considered. Appellant stated that he was leaving the district shortly for Mangaweka to crutch ewes. In answer to the board he stated that he had been shearing since he was 14 years of age. His best tally was 204 a day. He was prepared to devote himself to shearing and to shear where asked if granted partial exemption. The board adjourned the case sine die.

William Leach, whose appeal was adjourned from the last sitting, was granted exemption under clause 36, as his brother, who had been called up under the same section, was already in training. Frank A. Price appealed on the ground of public interest and undue hardship. He said he had purchased a farm of oUSO acres before the war, and had incurred liabilities which made it necessary for his personal supervision. Questioned by Major Conlan, appellant stated that there was a mortgage on the farm partly to the bank and partly to his father. If he went away the farm would go back, as his father could not look after it. Exemption until October 15 was granted. In the case of John Rennon, previously adjourned, appellant stated that there was no improvement in his mother's health. He was her sole support, and she was practically an invalid and quite incapable of looking after the farm. He was granted exemption sine die. Daniel Leader appealed for two months' exemption to effect improvements on his farm. He held 600 acres under lease from the Tokerau Land Board, and the board had compelled him to carry out his improvements or forfeit his lease. He had enlisted two years ago, but as he could not effect the improvements in time had been advised to return to the farm. The board agreed that he had done all he could, and granted exemption until September 17.

William H. McMullien, Watmamaku, appealed On the ground of -indue hardship. He stated that he bad agreed with his brother, his partner on the farm, that the latter should enlist. His parents were on the farm, but were quite unable to work it. Exemption until December 10 was granted. Joseph _ and Jack Boyce were granted exemption as half-caste natives. Alexander Geddes, farmer, Herekino, called up under section 35 of the Act. appealed on the ground that his brother had been called up under the same section, and had gone to the front. The appeal was thereupon allowed.