MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16883, 21 December 1916, Page 2

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

SITTING EN T DUNEDIN.

LAEGE NUMBER OE APPEALS.

Tho Military Servico Board sat in tho Law Courts buildings, in Diinediu, yesterday; present —Messrs H. V. Widdowson, SJSI. (chairman), A. D. Bell, and K Kollett. Captain i'reo was the military representative and Major Moller (group commander) was associated with him.

MEDICAL STUDENTS. Dr Lindo Ferguson (dean of tho Otago Medical School) appealed on behalf of Ed- | ward Brown, on tho ground that ho was a j modioal student, and that tho New Zealand Medical Corps had; expressed the desire tliat the supply of qualified medical men should bo maintained, which was impossible, if tho students were taken away. Similar appeals were made on tho same grounds on behalf of Humphrey James Barnicoat (medical student), and Cyril Arnold King (medical student). In giving evidence, Dr Ferguson said that King was at tho end of his second year in tho Medical School. About 40 students were in their second year. Brown was at the end of his first year. There wcro about 50 students in the first-year class. Barnicoat was going up for his final examination in February. It was necessary to keep up the supply of medical men for the next fivo years. The Chairman: Is it necessary to exempt a second-year student? Dr Ferguson: If you take our secondyear men we shall have no men for the third year. The Chairman: You seem to have an abnormal number of men this year? Dr Ferguson said ho was glad tho chairman had raised that point, because it gave him an opportunity of touching on a very unkind suggestion. Tho Chairman: Ido not make it. Dr Ferguson said tho suggestion had been made that tho first-year class was large this year because a number of young men 'desired to avoid military service. Ho would like to explain the position. In the past. Dunedtin had not drawn many students from the North Island, particularly Auckland, for the reason that there -was not much more separation from home involved in sending students to the Old Country from Auckland than in sending them to Dunedin. At present, however, tho students could not get out of the dominion, and instead of going away they came to Dunedin. Moreover, a largo proportion of the boys entering on their first year were below military age. In answer to the chairman, witness said Brown was 27 years old, King 22, and Barnicoat 29. He also wished to say that not only was there the military aspect _of tho question, and the necessity of keeping up the supply of medical men, but there was the civil question. It was _ necessary to maintain the servico of hospitals throughout tho dominion. At present the main hospitals in the dominion were officered by the senior students as house surgeons, because there were no qualified men to be got. In February some of tho men who passed would go back as house surgeons to their hospitals but General Henderson had informed him that some of them would be required for Home, They had also to think of next year and the year after. Every year there was a steady demand for house surgeons, and unless the school went on uniformly it would not be possible to supply tho men. It was as important to carry on tho supply of house surgeons for the treatment of the civilian sick as to find men for the trenches—in fact, it was more important. Mr Bell: I should like clearly to understand this: Do you state that in your opinion every medical student who has entered at tho "University should be exempted from military service? _ , Dr Ferguson: I 6tato without hesitation that all the medical students wo have here aro wanted for the purpose far which they are studying. If they are not required to go to tho front they will be required m hospitals here or in civil practice here. Mr Bell: Can you tell us whether that opinion has tho support of General HcnDr Ferguson said thero had been a good deal of unrest in the school because the bovs did not like to have the finger of scorn pointed at them, or to he told that they were shirking. On several occasions he had had deputations from students who wanted to get away, and General Henderson had spoken to them two or three times on tho subject. What the General said to them was this: "When you enter you are below military age. We do not want you so young as that. By tho time you are 20 you havo got so far on in your medical training that you are of more value as a potential medical officer than you would be in the trenches." He had a deputation two months ago of students under. 20. They asked him if, on their attaining the age of 20 they woidd be allowed to go, and he po'inted out to them that, if tho University allowed everyone to go as soon as he was 20 tho school would automatically close, and tho desire was to keep the school going. When General Henderson was -in Dunedin he said to tho students: "Your duty is to stop here and render yourselves fit to do your duty as medical men." In Wellington the other day General Henderson told him ho wanted another half-dozen medical men, and witness did not have them to give him. He could do nothing until after the next examination. The deman for medical men for reinforcements was five each month, and well over 200 men on tho roll had gone. It was clear that tho withdrawal of 60 qualified men each year must necessarily seriously affect the civil aspect of the situation if yotmg men were not coming on. If young men did not come on, thcro would bo no one to look after the civil population. Cyril King said he had been a medical student for two years. Before that ho was a science student. Ho had two brothers at tho front. It had always been his intention to take the medical course. Edward Brown said before ho wont into the Medical School ho had been school teaching to get money for his medical course. He had not thought of enlisting before ho went into the Medical School. He hnd been nearly two years at the school. The Chairman, after consultation, said the board would like further information with regard to Brown and King, and these mens would be adjourned for a month. They did not dispute Dr Ferguson's word, but would like some further information with regard to these two men. Barnicoat s appeal would bo allowed. CONTRACTS ON HAND.

James Alex. Walquiist, of St. Kilda, asphalting contractor, appealed on the ground that ho had a mother and sister depending on him, and that his business I would' bo ruined through the complicated naturo of the work requiring his special supervision—Mr T. K. Sidey appeared for A* statement of the appellant's affairs was placed 'before the board, and Mr Sidey urged that, if tho board could not exempt the appellant, it should allow him time to wind up his business, which would take from four to six months. Appellant gave evidence. Hi 3 ago was 42 years. His mother was in bad health. The Chairman: We find that all the women of the country are in bad health. Witness, further examined, said ho had three brothers—John (40, single, now in camp), Alexander (married before tho war), and William (Waikouaiti, married two years and a-half ago). William enlisted, but was turned down after being some timo in camp Witness had somo land in crop, which he could not harvest till February or March. . . . . 'Hie Chairman said the main thing in this case was tho winding-up of several contracts. . In reply to the chairman, Captain Free said the February draft would go away about the third week in that month. Tho Chairman: The appeal will bo dismissed, but the appellant will not bo called up until February 20. A MACHINERY! SPECIALIST. Franklin Holmes, of North-East Valley, hosiery mechanic and manufacturer, appealed on the ground that his calling up would compel him to close down liis business. It would bo diTicult, if not impossible, to get a mail to take his placein "fact, men had to bo imported when wanted, and it took years of experience to mako a man competent. Mr W. L. Moore appeared for the appellant. Tho appellant, giving evidence, said his age was 31 yean;. He had a married brother, 29 years ;>f age. lie was m business with his father. Air Moore: Have you considered tho question of enlisting?— Witness: Yes, but I cannot- enlist unless \vc close the business down. Id answer to further questions, witness ?aid he wont Hon"; some yeors ago to study tho machinery of the business. Captain Free: When you found, two years ago, that tho oouutiy \yaa at war

didn't you think it necessary to train somoono to take your plaoo?—No, I did not. Henry Holmes, father of tho appellant, also gave evidence If his son went, tho business would have to stop. Tho Chairman paid thoro ivns no doubt tho appellant was an essential factor in tho business. Tho tirno might oomo when tho man wonld bo required for tho servioo of his country, and tho mutter would then be reconsidered. In tho meantime, tho board wouJd adjourn tho case sine die. When it was absolutely necessary to havo more men tho appellant would bo called up again.

NOT UNDER SECTION 35. Goorgo Alex. Henderson, of Dunedin, carpenter and joiner, appealed on tho ground that, as his only brother had volunteered and been rejected, he did not como under section 35. Win Wcrnham Henderson, of Dunedin, plumber, appealed on the ground that ho was permanently unfit Ho had offered his services and been rejected, and forwarded a certificate of rejection. Mr Adams appeared for tho appellants. Evidence was given by George Alex. Henderson. . Mr Adams said tho facts wcro admitted, tho only question being as to tho law. Ho contended that section 35 applied only to a case where there were at least tyro brothers, both of whom were fit for military service. « Hero there were only two brothers, and' ono was permanently unfit. Tho section, therefore, did not apply, and there was no jurisdwtion to call up George A. Henderson. . Captain Free said ho read tho section the other way—that it applied only where both brothers were permanently unlit. Tho Chairman said ho was against Captain Frec's interpretation of the section. Ono of theso two men was obviously unfit, and tho other must ro out and take to chance in tho ballot. Both appeals were formally allowed. BOTH TO GO.

Ernest John Wilson Hoy, of Danedm, plumber, appealed on the ground that ho had contracted with one. Robert Phair, who went with the Twentieth Reinforcements, to carry on his business. Mr Dawson, who appeared for tho appellant, said the man was not unwilling to serve his country, but he desired time to close up his affairs, say, until the end of February. Evidenco was given by the appellant. The board decided to hear' the caso of appellant's brother. Joseph Albert Hey, of Dunedin, accountant, appealed on the ground that ho was tho sole support of his mother and the partial suport of two sisters, and that his services were required by tho Standard Insurance Company, where he was the head accountant.—The appeal was accompanied by a letter from Mr A. H. Fisher (general manager of the company), stating that appellant's services could ill bo spared till the end of the financial year on December 51. Evidenco was given by appellant. Hethought he ought to enlist before married men, but he had to help to support his people, and ho would be very closely occupied in the office till the company's annual meeting in March. The Chairman said that Ernest Hey had taken contracts with his eyes wide open, and when ho must have known ho was liable to be called

Captain Free: Cannot tho witness assign his contracts? Witness: T don't know if anybody would take them over at the price. Tho Chairman said that each appellant would be allowed a month in which to arrange. They would not bo called up till the 20th January.

MENTAL HOSPITAL ATTENDANT. Dr Will, medical superintendent at Ashburn Hall (private mental hospital), appealed against the enlistment of Harry Hamilton, engineer attendant at the hospital, on the ground that, all the old attendants having enlisted, Hamilton was tho only one left with experience of the work, and at pre sent it was extremely difficult to get reliable men, and that it took timo to train men. Captain Free said that as tho man was in camp the matter was in the hands of tho commandant.

The Chairman (to Dr Wfll): Wo may allow the appeal, but wo can't get the man back for you. Dr Will said, at any rate, he had appealed in the timo allowed. Captain Freo: The board might investigate the case and recommend that the man should bo discharged, but I have no instructions in tho matter. Tho Chairman: The man may say he does not want to come back, and if we bring him back ho may resign his position in the asylum. Dr Will: After what I have heard to-day I think I had better withdraw the appeal. I'm Buffering less hardship than some who have appeared here. The Chairman said it was a case that

was not met by Act or by regulation. Dr Will said the man knew he was appealing, and before he went away he said he would come back. However, he jjot orders to go. Evidence was given to tho effect that the man was indispensable to the working of the institution. Tho Chairman: All we can do is to allow tho appeal. Dr Will: And leave me to fight the rest. A CLICKER'S APPEAL. Harold Handforth, of South Dunedin, bootmaker, appealed on the ground that he was the only son, and his mother did not enjoy good health. Appellant said ho was 22 years old, a clicker employed by Ross and Glendining. He was the only one in tho family. The clicking department had been very busy m the last few months. There were 12 hands. His employers knew ho had been drawn in the ballot. The Chairman: If they know, they evidently don't intend to appeal. Mr Payne: They tell mo it is a very important thing for them, as the Government requires a big supply of boots. The manager of the boot department satf clickers were scarce. At present the department was five men short, who could not be replaced. If a clicker were taken away it would affect the factory work. Nine clickers had to keep 130 other employees going. The Chairman: Is it necessary to keep all these men on for the Government contracts?

Witness: Wo have not had a Government contract for three months. Further examined : _ The appellant, who was an improver, received 30s a week. Thomas Glendining. director of Ross and Glendining, said the Government had asked the firm to tender for a supply of boots. When he. got notice that Handforth had been called up he appealed on the departmental form. The appeal was sent to tho Minister of Defence. Tho Chairman said it ought to have boon sent to the commandant, otherwise it might go astray. Captain Free submitted that the appeal must be dismissed. Tho Chairman said an employers' appeal having been sent in, the board would have to adjourn the case until that appeal had come to hand. Mr Payne said there was a probability that the man would not be passed by the Medical Board. The Chairman said tho case would stand down until the employers' appeal came to hand. In the meantime, the man would he medically examined. The appeal would be adjourned until a sitting in January.

RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS. | Wm. Atkinson Jones, of Brighton, farmer and contractor, appealed on the ground that he was farming Crown lands in the Duncan Settlement, and had a contract to cart and deliver flax, coal, and hemp for Jones and Co., of Brighton. _ He also objected on the ground that military service ■was against his conscientious and religious beliefs! He belonged to a body known as the Brethren. James Peter Jones, of Brighton, foreman of (laxmitl and farm, appealed on the ground that it was impossible to get a competent man to take charge of a flaxmill. He also uro-ed business reasons, and stated that military service was against his religious beliefs. Mr D. Reid appeared for the appellants. Ho said the father was a strong member of the Brethren. The Chairman: What Brethren are they? Mr Reid: As far as I understand thoy havo no form of creed. They take the Bible as their creed. The Chairman: They go on their own interpretation of the Bible? Mr Reid: Yes. Mr Bell: Every member of the .sect ran construe it as he likes. Mr Reid: Yes. I suppose it comes to that. He had informed the appellants that they would require to sign a document that they wore willing to perform other services that might be required of them, and they were not willing to sign such a document. The Chairman: Then wo cannot entertain that ground. _ John Edward Jones, farmer. Brighton, said he was the father of the two appellant?. Another son was an engine-driver (aged 30 years, married), and there were two others under 18. He had 70 acres of oats and 35 acres of turnips, also 25 cows. Ho had tried to get men to take his sons' places, but had been unsuccessful. Ho was not growing any wheal this year. He spoke to his solicitor about his religious objections. Captain Free: Is your objection founded

on religious or commercial lines, or have you mixed them?— Witness: It affects us both ways. If you had no religious ground, would you still maintain your objection —Yea. Do you think your family should not mako any sacrifice* lor the country?—l did not think of it in tlwt light. Is it fair tliat other men should inaJco sacrifices and that you should mako none?— It is a hard question to answer. Tho Chairman : Yes, it is very hard _ Captain Free: 1 suppose you are getting a big'.'cr prico for your flax now than ever before?—l think tho other man is getting the best of it. Many citizens are at a disadvantage in sending their sons, and you have kept four sons in an undertaking that is benefiting by the war. Is that reasonable?— Witness made no reply. When the hat conies round for help for a sick man, you don't take something out it, do you. —No reply. Instead of assisting the weak you aro robbing thorn.—lt is like this: If things go on as at present, how is tho work to bo carried on? , Work will havo to go hang?— Well, people must live and someone must do the work. Some people have to die that others may live—And what aro wo to do with our land? , , , ... Do you want to take a sheltered position all the time?— No. If it was not for divine revelation hi tho Book, there would be no hesitation in fighting. _ William Jones also gave evidence. He said he had an objection to sign any form to fill a non-combatant capacity. It was against God for him to servo in any capacity—ambulance or any other. Mr Bell: Would you not, carry a wounded man awav ?—Witness: I could not do it. The Chairman :_ Wo need not waste any more time about it. , James Jones said the flaxmill would have to be closed if he went. He had refused to sio-n a document to do non-combatant work. —o did not sco his wav clear to do it. The Chairman: Is it because you aro reaping tho benefits of the war m your business?— Witness: No. In crivin" the decision of the board. .the Chairman said: With regard to the religions objections the two men have not signed the necessary declaration, and therefore their appeal on that ground cannot bo allowed. With regard to the other grounds, the appeal of James will be dismissed. The appeal of William will also be dismissed, but tho appellant will not bo called up before January 20. He will be allowed a month to make the necessary preparations. A RAILWAY HAND. Josiah Andrew Dysart, of Koslyn, Dunedin, appealed on tho ground that ho was tho support of his widowed mother, a, sister, and a widowed sister with three children. He also urged financial reasons. Appellant said ho was 21 years of ago, employed in the Railway Department. One brother voluntarily enlisted shortly before conscription camo in, and one at Lower Hutt had been drawn in tho second ballot. Witness answered some questions about money matters. His only reason for not enlisting was that ho desired to support his mother and sister. He was not aware that, if ho went away, his mother would be paid a separation allowance of Is a day, in addition to anything he might give to her out of his pay. The Chairman: What about the Railway Department, Captain Free? Captain Free: I have no instructions. Tho Chairman: We have none. Witness, in answer to a question, said he had notified the department that he intended to appeal. Tho appeal was dismissed. A CASE OF HARDSHIP.

Robert Johnston, of Dunedin, auctioneer, appealed on the ground that he was the solo support of a widowed mother. His brother was at present in Trentham camp. Mr Scurr appeared for the appellant

Appellant said ho had a married sister at Waimatu and a brother in camp. If witness had to go to camp, there was no one to attend to his mother. His sister had nine children. Captain Froo said that the two brothers between them could provide their mother with 49.1 per week. Tho Chairman said tho case might bo ono of hardship, but it was questionable whether thoro was undue hardship. The appeal would be adjourned for a month. Appellant must in tho meantime try to arrange for his mother being looked after. A CASK FOR THK BALLOT.

Francis Fit/.patrick, of South Duncdin, carpenter, apjiealed on tho ground that ho was permanently unfit, suffering from chronic lumbago and piles. Mr Brugh appeared for the appellant. Appellant said he had five brothers, but they were all in Great Britain.

Tho appeal was allowed, tho chairman remarking that the appellant would take his chance in the ballot.

TWO BROTHERS GOING.

Patrick Fitzpatrick, of South Duncdin, carter, appealed on the ground that ho was ! the support of his widowed mother, who j was partially paralysed. ' # I Appellant, in reply to the chairman, said ] ho had only the one ground of appeal. _ He was 30 years of age. He had two single sisters both living at home. He had four brothers—Joseph (single, 25), John (40, married for six years). James (27, married for eight years), and Peter (34, married for five years). Tho house ho lived in belonged to his mother. Witness and his brother each paid her £1 a woek. The appeal was dismissed. Joseph Fitzpatrick, of South Dunedin, coalman, brother of the previous appellant, appealed on the ground that he was tho support of his mother. Appellant said ho had enlisted, and did not intend to go on with tho appeal. The appeal was withdrawn. OTHER APPEALS. William Cooper, of Dunedin, telegraphist, appealed on the ground that ho was not a reservist. Ho produced a certificate to show that ho was born on November 23, 1369, and was therefore over age.—Tho appeal was allowed. William James Boraman, teacher, was represented by Mr Calvert, who said the appellant did not desire - to avoid his duty. Ho wished to pass a teacher's examination about the middle of January, and after that he would bo ready to go.—The Chairman said the appellant would be allowed until January 20. William Stevenson, of Dunedin, cabinetmaker, appealed on two grounds: that ho was not a member of the Reserve at the time he was called up, and undue hardship, in that he was the solo support of a sister. —Mr Hay produced appellant's birth certificate, showing that ho was born on September 15, 1870.—The appeal was allowed. Charles M'lntosh Chisholm, of Sawyers' Bay, boot repairer, appealed on the ground that, if called up, four of his employees would be put out of employment. He iilso urged that ho could not sell his business or get a suitable manager. —Mr Aspinall, who appeared for the appellant, said if tho hoard could not grant exemption the appellant would like time to straighten, up his affairs. If ho could not sell the business he intended to close it.—Appellant gave evidence about his affairs.—The appeal Was dismissed, and the appellant was given a month in which to fix up his arrangements.

Neil M'Donald appealed on the ground that he was in the Second Division. —The appeal was allowed. Robert Henderson, of St. Kilda, carpen tor, appealed on the ground that he did not come under section 35. Ho had two single brothers, one of whom (James) had been rejected. James Lewis Henderson, of St. Kilda, engineer, appealed on general grounds, but said he was willing to serve as a munition worker. He had qualified to serve on a transport. Ho also alleged he was medically unfit.—The appellants did not appear.—Both appeals were allowed. James Drummond. of North-East Valley, cook, appealed on the ground that he was permanently unfit, having injured tho ligaments in his left foot.—Tho appellant did not appear, and tho appeal \vas formally allowed. Peter Drummond. of North-East Valley, stonemason, appealed on general grounds, but said ho wa.s temporarily unfit, having injured his foot Ho had every intention of going -with tho 25th Rcin r orccmcnts. As his brother was unfit, ho did not com-o under section 35.—Tho Hon. J. T. Paul asked for permission to appear for the appellant.—Tho Chairman said it would not be necessary. The brother in the previous case was unfit, and it' followed that this appeal must be allowed. Horace James Samuel Hargood. of Ros!vn, flock-mill hand, appealed on the ground that ho was tho only son, and had a wife •ind invalided mother to support.—Appellant said ho offered his services nine month 3 i.go and was turned down. Tie then got married.—• The Chairman said tho board had svmpithy with the appellant, but there was the Act. It might be that, having been turned down recently, he would be turned down again.—The board adjourned the appeal for a month, the appellant to bo medically examined in the meantime. James Ross, of Dnnedin, carter, appealed on the ground that he was permanently unfit, and forwarded a certificate, of exemption from service in the military forces.— I The apnoal was allowed. John Grigg, of Port Chalmers, ship's fireman, appealed on the ground that out of three son?, two were already scrying, and being a ship's fireman ho considered he was doing his duty on a troopship.— Appellant said he was 35 years of age. He met with an accident and wae discharged from lvs ship—the Mavnganui. He had not informed the secretary of his union that he had been called up. He was now waiting for a job on the Maheno.—Captain Free said ho had no instructions about this matter.—The case was adjourned until the following day to give the appellant an opportunity to place his papers before tho board. Robert Johnson, of Dunedm. builder, appealed on the ground that, being a. master builder and having works on hand, lis calling up would be a cause of hardship. Fe also ure-ed that his domestic respond Wit : es pla.r-.~d him in the Second Division. It was intimnted that this appeal h.-.d been withdrawn.

SITTINGS TN CTTRISTCHURCH. (Per TTN-iTF.n Purcss Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 20. The Military Service Board continued its sittings to-day. William Thomas Hobbs, dairy iarmer, New Brighton, who appealed on tho grounds of hardship and that his enlistment would be contrary to the public interest, stated that he was in partnership with his father, who was in delicate health, and lie would not bo able to carry on if appellant were called up. One brother was at the front, another was in delicate health, and a third was married. Tho case was adjourned sine die. Henry Walter Samuels, law clerk, Papami i, appealed on the grounds that he did not come under section 35, also because enlistment was contrary to the public interest and caused undue hardship. Tho appeal was allowed, tho chairman stating that if called up by ballot tho reasons for tho present exemption, which were financial obligations, would not be considered. Jjohn William Samuels, painter, Papanui, withdrew his appeal, and Georgo Arthur Samuels was granted exemption, ho being the support of his mother and sister. Reginald Corfiold Jaggar, piano timer, Christchurch, who was married on May 19, 1915, and had two children, appealed on tho grounds of undue hardship. Tho appeal was dismissed, but the appellant was allowed three months to make arrangements. Ernest John Berry, grocer, Sydenham, nppealod on tho grounds of undue hardship. His partner was at tho front, and his brother, who was an assistant in tho business, had broken down in health, and if appellant were called up the business would have to be sold. Tho appeal was adjourned for three months to enable evidence to be adduced about the brother. Marshall Henry Robinson, butcher, Sumner, appealed on the ground of undue hardship. He was in business with his brother, who had been rejected. The appeal was dismissed.

The appeal of Ernest George Allan, seaman, Lyttelton, on the ground that his calling iip was contrary to tho public ini tcrest, was adjourned till next month. Stephen Henry Mildren, contract ploughman, Richard Henry Mildren, cartage contractor, and George Henry Mildren, carter, of Opawa. appealed against being called up under section 35 on the grounds that their \ calling up was contrary to the public in- ' terest and caused undue, hardship. Appellants intimated that they had como to the conclusion that their place was at home. The appeal of George Henry was dismissed, j and the other two yp to the ballot. The appeal of Michael IVlallcy, labourer, ] Sydenham, sole support of his mother and invalid sister, was allowed to stand over ! indefinitely. Tho appeals of John Hayes, farmer, West ! Melton, and Joseph Roland Tyson, farmer, Springston South, on tho grounds of undue , hardship and contrai-y to the public interest, ■ were adjourned sine die; as was that of \, Philip H. \V. Brown, electrical engineer, J 1/ejidalitwv