MILITARY SERVICE BOARDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16982, 19 April 1917, Page 8

MILITARY SERVICE BOARDS

SETTING AT PALMERSTON.

CLAIM FOR EXPERT SHEARER.

The First Otago Military Service Board tat at Palinerston yesterday; present— Messrs H.-Y. Widdowson, S.M. (chairman), •A. IJ. Bull, and K Kcllett Captain Freo . represented tho military authorities, and Daptain Udwio (Oainaru) was associated with nun. ' , Andrew .James Dreaver (farmer, Pabners\on) appealed on the ground that ho was engaged in dairy, agricultural, and sheep Arming. Ho had a le.iso of his mother's (arm, and of a farm belonging to the estate of his deceased father, and ho could not get anyone to look after them.—Mr Arklo eaid this man was classed C2, and wished to withdraw his appeal.—Withdrawn accordingly; ..; , Herbert E. Framo (farmer, Goodwood) urged domestic reasons.—At the last aitting the hearing was adjourned for a month to enablo appellant's brother Robert to be present. Appellant said his brother was a littlo bettor; ho was suffering from sciatica and rheumatism.—To Captain Free: During tho harvest his father was only assisting in the work. Ho showed witness how to stack. He attended the local soles. ■Uis brother wn3 getting on bettor nowi—ln answer to tho board, Captain Free stud tho ■next draft would go on May 3.—The appeal . .was dismissed. ' ••m. M'Lood (farmer, Palmerston) asked for time until 1 May 31. Ho was in chargo of a farm of 1000 acres, and was carrying on for tho trustees of hjs lato father's estate.—Mr Arkle said this appellant and his brother had carried on a sheep farm at Bushey. When tho war broke out tho brother volunteered, and lost his lifo at Gallipoli, Another brother, a bank inspector, went to France, and had been injured and sent homo again. This man was a / skilhil and industrious farmer, but was anxious _to sell, his farm and go. It was • a question, however, whether a_ man like this would not be better carrying on his farm.—Tho Cnairman: But ho wants to go. —The appellant was granted till tho end of May. ' Joseph Hamilton (mill-owner, Palmerston) appealed on behalf of Robert Geo. Paul (traction engine driver), as ho had thrashing to himself appealed for time to settle his affairs. -Mr Arkle said ho wished to present a petition on behalf of Bheep farmers who desired that the mar. should hi- exempted, as he was a sheop- , shearing expert. Sinco he had beon drawn . m the a number of farmers had boen doing thoir best to get a man to take his place. If the man went away the sheep farming industry would be greatly prejudiced. This m.vn wns absolutely indisEensable to them.—Tho Chairman: He and is omployr-r (Mr Hamilton) ask for exemption until May 31. —Mr Arklo said that was for thrashing. Mr Ross, a shnep farmer, was present to give evidence. Tho farmers who .were asking for this man's services

wore Up last men in the world to request # exemption if they did not think it was really necessary to do so. —Captain Free said the appeal by the sheep farmers was late. It should have been lodged ten days ' from Mirch 13. There was really only the appeal of Mr Hamilton before the board. As far as'the question "of shearers was concerned, he had been assured by the secretary of the Shearers' Union that he could dig up sufficient shearers to meet all requirements.—Mr Arkje said tho sheep farmers ■ had been doing their best to get an expert, and it was only as a last resort that they had put in tho petition. They wanted the man to stay, as it was impossible to got anyone to tiiko his place.—The Chairman: The secretary of the union informs us that they can carry on.-—Mr .Arkle said he would like the board to Knar one of the farmers.— Mr Kollett: The appellant must have known 1 when he applied for lea-ye till May 31 that his services were required as' an expert —Mr .Arklo pointed .out that the man himself was not appealing. The farmers were appealing for him.—Mr Boll: What docs Mr Paul think about it himself? —Mr Puul: I am in the hands of the board. I am willing to go.—Mr Arklo repeated that the sheep-farmers could get :i no one to Lake Paul' 3 place.—The Chair- ■' man: For next year?—Mr Arklo: Yes. Ho

asked that ono of tho shoep-farmers should ', ba heard. Dagging went 'on all the year ; ,/ round.—The Chairman: We have heard a ' lot of this sort of thing before, and we do not iigruo with you, Mr Arkle. We have our. own knowledge of these things, and we , have had cases before us.—lt was agreed to hear evidence on behalf of the former's.—Dnvid Ross (ehoep-farmor) said he : ' shore over 60C0 sheep. Some of his neighbours used his shed, bringing tlie tally up to ,10,"COO. Throe years ago he had to pay •!>,'■■; the expenses of a man from Gisborne to ■ look after- the sheep-shearing- machines. So'ine years ago men were keen on learning shearing, but now they were oft -it. — ";■ Mr Bull: You ha,ve been a personal sufferer by the' war, Mr Ross, and when Mr , ' ; Paul wants to go, wouldn't you rather let ; r hiih go and shoot a few Germans than ' , keep him to shear.a few sheep?— Witness: Yes, I agree with you; but I don't sup , -. ; pose it would make much difference if Mr Paul didn't go.—The Chairman: If they all eaid that there would be no one there.— ■;■■, Witness | added that it was hard to get ' shearers, and especially a man to look after : the shearing machines.—The Chairman: Do : _'-. you want to stand between this man and •* : V' he believes to be his duty?—l am as ~■.■■ keein.as any of you that the war "should 1 cotpe to an end.—The Chairman said tho • bofi.;rd would require strong evidence before it Would stand between a man and what he coriceived to be hie duty. The question of the indispensability in regard to shearers : V/as, in their opinion, somewhat exagger- :■,. ;jtqcl.—In reply to tho chairman.* Captain >._: Free said a draft would go on May 31.— V- 1 .-the board said tho reservist would not be '■'. ':■ called before May 30. ' 0. E.' Twining (mine manager and employer, Sha" Point) appealed on behalf of Joseph Michael Quinn (trucker), as the work ho was engaged upon was essential to increase • the output of coal, which was in j great demand.—Quinn also appealed, urging domestic reasons.—Mr Twining said ...' he-;wns short of men in the mine. On an •" average the mine put out 50 tons a day. : It -could turn out- more, but the railway people would not give enough trucks, ■ and yet/ they wanted coal. Ho did not think there was any chance of the men coming ous in sympathy with the minors on the West Coast. Tho men were an execption- . nlly Rood lot, arid did not "go slow." Joseph Michael tjuinn gave, evidence as to faniily matters. He had two brothers. Ono weftt. w th tho 23rd Reinforcements, and another (William, aged 23) had iust finished u. season on the, thrashing mill. Witness had no objection to going to tho war. Captain Free sa.id he believed a circular I had cotno from tho defence authorities in Wellington placing truckers on the same footing as minors.—Tho appeal was adjourned imlchnitely, conditional on the appellant ■ remaining in the same occupation being eistntial in it. The' appeal was subject to dismissal on any cessation of -■' -work and also at the end of the First Division. Phillip G<3O. pnllery "(schoeFte miner, Macraes' Flat) said he was working for the Deepdell Gold and Schpelito Company. He; had been working them for a month, and: before that had been working on his own account about Macraes Flat for 10 months. Previous to that he was working on scheolite for his brother, who had now gone to tho -war. He. was working for ] the; company until his own claim was fit L for work —Thi> Chairman said Mr Hunt, •.. of the Efficiency Roard, had been asked I to )jo into tho whole question of scheelito mining—number of men employed, amount of product, unrl so on—but he did not know tho:-rcsult of the inquiries.—In reply to a 1 question, witness said he was single.—The board reserved its determination. The Chairman said that in the Glenorchy scheelito mines there were only a few single men left, and tho opinion had boon exI that they coulc. be dispensed with. The appeals of.Michael Heffcrran (sheep farmer, Moonl'ght), T. P. Twining (miner, Shag Point). Alex. M'Laren (farmer, Gopd' ""wood), and John M'Ritch : o (mill feeder and shearer, Palmerston) were withdrawn, I , thr> men being in class C2 (fit for homo service only). , OASES AT OAMAR.TJ. NO DEARTH OF SHEARERS, . The board sat at Oamaru in tho altei--rioon. ( . John T. Moohiin. (telegraphist, Oamara , appealed on the ground that ho was sup- . porting his widowed moth-pr.—ln this pre- | • viously-board case, fche appellant now asked iij be allowed off till tho end of the month -Tbtt request whs flowed. 1 Ales. Henderson CoplartW (farmer .and ! Uiiryman. Woston), who was represented by Mr Ongley, urged financial obligations, ■'• iml 'aid a statement before the board. Ho had a Government lcefle in perpetuity. He ! va'i alone on the farm.—Adjourned for a ';■ i-pporf. from tho Efficiency Board. ';'..' 'J'hoß. P Crawford (farmer, Island Cliff) i' :i'ge»' financial obligations. Ho was re- ■ rfonted by Mr Grave—Appellant said he nlisted in September, but did not pass, und then bought a, farm and took up a ■.-.' ! ase. His wifo and his father-in-law lived ''-.. with him. r He was putting in 30 acres ot 1 ■■:' . wheat and Vix acres of oata, and did all tho I;, work hirnsoU'. Hβ had no brother*. Ho

had been turned down twice, but had now boen passed as fit.—The oaso was referred tho Efliconcy Board for a report. Thos. Jos. Curran (slaughterman, Pukcun), did not appear.—Captain Free, in reply to tho chairman, said tho union had not lodged an appeal in this case.—Tho appeal was dismissed.

John Fallon (farm assistant, Enficld) asked for limo till tho end of June to got bis potatoes in.—John Falion, sen., .also lodged an appeal, as tho appellant was tho only man he had to work his team. Ho stated that ho was putting in 10 acres of wheat.—Tho "Chairman :We want a guaranteo that this crop will bo put in.—After consideration, tho board decided that tho reservist would not bo called up before June 30, but would bo liable to bo called up in tho meantime if 40 acres wore not put into crop.

Johnston (farmer, Windsor) appealed on behalf of his son, Wm. Johnston (farm labourer), as ho was fcho only one left to' work his farm of 120 acres. —Appollant said ho had three sons, one of whom was at tho war. Tho youngest was 17. years of ago. He intended to put in 30 acres of wheat. His son who was called up worked the team , , and if ho went away witness would be stuck.— Tin? case was adjourned until tho end of May to give an opportunity to' put tho crop hv and to have tho younger brother brought into the work of the.farm.

Robert Anderson Taylor (farmer, Kokoamo) appealed on' the ground that ho was 'working his farm and that hia brother had boon called up.—Mr Hjorring appeared for tho Tho brother having gone to tho front, this man had to manage his own farm of 560 acres and the. adjoining farm of 558 acres, belonging to his brother. Seventy acres wcro to be sown with wheat. 40 acres with barley, and 40 acres with oats There were 1200 sheep on the appellant's farm. Further. 60 acres had beon ploughed for wheat on the brother's land and 60 acres for oats, and there were 560 slioep on it.—ln reply to a question, appellant said ho had assistance on the farm.— Mr Johnston, son., answered a number of financial questions.—Adjourned for tho report of the Efficiency Board.

Andrew O'Grady (farmer, Livingstone) said ho had a farm of 130 acres, which ho could not disposo of. Ho would have to leave it closed up. He froze about 70 fat lambs yearly.—This case had been adjourned for a report.—Captain Free said tho question was whether a sister, who lived soTiio distance away, could take chargo of tho father, who was troubled with rheumatism. It appeared tho sister was not in a position to take the father.—Appellant said that but for his father-ho could go.—The appeal was adjourned sine die, conditional on tho appellant remaining essential to tho welfare of his father. The case would bo coibidored again before the! men of the Second Division wore called upon. John M'Brido (farmer, Hunrpdon) appoiJe.l on tho ground that his parents were fno oid to do farm work, and ho had to do all the v'orl: on tho property and milk cows. •Mr Hjorring laid the facts before tho board, and tho case was then adjourned for a ir.onth.

Neil M'Phoo (farmer. Awamoko) appealed on the ground of life inability to employ men. He claimed that he did not come within section 35, as he did not rosido with any of his brothers, and had not done So since he got his own place.—Mr Ongloy said this man and his brother Michael had" been called under section 35, and Michael had now gone to the front. Another brother had also gone.—ln answer to the Chairman, the appellant said his other brothers were on their own places, and had enough to do without attending to witness's place. All his brothere, except Allan, wore in the Second Division.—Tho claim to bo taken out of section 35 was allowed, tho Chairman remarking that the appellant ■would come under the ballot.

Robert Stewart MTCenzie (shearer, Wniaroka Junction) did not appear.—The union secretary wrote asking- for exemption, the man beins: engaged in an essential industry. Captain Free said his information wae that there was not, tho dearth of shearers thnt ono was led to suppose, and that there was r,o necessity in tho Otago district to exempt shearers. He had been given to understand' that a number of the older men were prepared to desert their present occupations, and return to shearing. If the oases wore "adjourned to Duncdin he could call Mr Boroham, secretary of the Otago Union, to give evidence. —Tho board adjourned the further h n nrin<r to Duncdin.

In -the following .oases the appeals wore formally dismissed, ■ the appellants Jjfing classed C2: —Alexander A. Scott (farm labourer, Oamaru), William T. Dalgleish (ploughma-n, Oamaru), and Christopher K. Lean (farmer, Kakanui). In the case of Will-am T. Dalgleish. the appeal was lodged by tho cmDloyer. David Bradley (cropper, Enfield), for whom Mr Hjorring appeared, was granted an extension of time until the end of May. No. '2 MILITARY SERVICE BOARD. SITTING AT GORE. t ■ FIFTY APPEALS DEALT WITH. The Otago No. 2 Military Service Board sat at .Gore yesterday afternoon to hear 50 appeals. There' were present Messrs V, G. Day, S.M. (chairman), A. S. Orbell, and R. Breen. Captain E D. Mosley represented tho Defence. Department, and had associated with him Major W. Crowther and Lieut. D. Bell.

James Adamson Barclay (shearer and rabbiter, Crookston) appealed on grounds of undue hardship and public interest. His appeal was supported by Mr Joseph Stephens (chairman of the local committee), who statrd that the man was filling an essential position.—Appellant said he was a member of the Shearers' Union. He put through between 4000 and 5000 sheep in a season, and could do 180 a day.—To Captain Mosley: Ho did about nine weeks' shearing ■in tho year and about five months' rabbitin jr. Ho had also bought a draught stallion, and could not get rid of it. He had volunteered on two occasions, and had been turned down, and had bought tho stallion after, that. —To the Bpard: Ho had no one dependent upon him.—Mr Stephens put in. a strong plea for the appellant on account of tho good work ho was doing as a rabbiter. Tho Imperial Government would lose about £10 a day if- this man were sent away.—The Chairman: It looks at present as though we may not be able to send many moro rabbits away from Now Zealand.—Mr Stephens: Well, perhaps wo won't, be able to send troops either.—The appeal was dismissed, the appellant not to be nailed up before May 31. Al"xandor Bathgato (farm manager. Orookston), for whom Mr J. A» Moylo appeared, asked for time, and was granted till Mav 31.

Archibald Blue (farmer, BalfoinO asked for time in order to adiust the aff'iirs of hi= late father's estate.—Mr D. M. Cochrano appeared for the appellant, and said the man had ono brother in Franco' and anothor on tho farm.—After hearing evidence, tho board decided that either the appellant or his brother at home ramld have to go. If the latter volunteered the appellant would not be called un. Tho case would, bo adjourned for a month in order that the brothers might arrange the matter between themselves.

Richard Divid Burgess (farmer, Matauri.). for whom Mr A. C. Smith appeared, asked for lravo until Mav ?1 in order to disposo of his property and stock.—After going into e the appellant's affairs, the chairman commanded his attitude in the matter, and added that ho had -also volunteered some time.' ago.—The leave a-Jcd for was granted' Maurice Prendevillp (nozztoman at tho Nokomai sluicing claim. Ghj-ston) apoealed on the. ciistomary grounds, and , an appeal was also lodged by John Burke (manner of tho Nokomai Slnieincr Company).—Mr Henderson appeared on Mialf of thr> comand said tlfts obicction was that an experienced man was required for tho posit:on of nozzle.ma.Ti. otherwise mnch tlnmoge might bo done.—Mr Day said ho did not think a great degreo of skill was require*]. .Tho real question was tho amount of "-old heing produced, bnt even then ho did not Jmow that it was an essential industry.— Mr TTondorson said tho Commissioner from tho Efficiency Board had asked tho seoretary to keep up tho prold production to the utmost at present.—The Chairman snid he did not think the industry essential for carrying on tho war.—B. Crust (chairman of directors) said tho company had not previously appealed for its men, and only did so on account of tho representation tint gold -production was necessary. If Prendevillo left the output of tho claim would be greatly reduced, but ho would not press the claim.—The appeal was disnvssed, tho men not to be culled up beforo May 20. William Stool (manaifer of tho Movie Estato, Heriot) was appealed for by Mr C. A. Shiel (Cavcrsham) on the ground that his plnce could not bo filled.—Mr D. L. Toppclwell said Mr Shiel had bought tho nlacn for his son. but iho latter had gone to the front. leaVing Steel in charge. A good deal of money had been sproit upon it. The property comprised ju.\K) acres, and onrrird 30? X) fihcop at present, it being a highly cultivated place.—Tn re-ply to Cantain Mosley. Mr Shiel said he had nvule ■ very cmToavotir to secure )nl»ur. but had fnile'd. Ho had another son. who had been turned down.—To tin? Board: Tho work done by Steel was looking after 5000 sheep,

ploughing, working teams, milking several cows, at:c general rouseabout. Ho got £2 10s a week.—Air Orboll: He's a treasure, lou ought to look after liiui and get his photograph taken.—(Laughter.)— Tho oaso was adjourned for a month to enablo arrangements \o bo juade.

James Alexander Butler (farmer, Balfour) appealed on tlio groimd of public interest, in that he was a wheat grower and' shearer. Mr D. M. Cochrane appeared for tho appellant, and said ho had one brother, at the front and another in the Second Division who .had a big farm of his own. His father's fiirin was in process of being transferred to him. lit? had been twice rejected, but these negotiations wcro not commenced then. Ho intended to put in 66 acres of wheat this year.—Tho Chairman: Were you married before you wore rejected the lirst or second time?— The Appellant:. Both.— (Laughter.)— The case was adjourned for a month in order to obtain u report, from tho Efficiency Board as to how labour could bo provided.

William Mathieson (farmer, Knnpdalc) appealed on usual ground, and his appeal was supported by his father (John Mathieson), who handed in a written statement regarding his affairs.—Mr A. C. Smith appeared for tho appellant.—John MitMiieson gavo evidence that William was his only son of military age. Witness had done no ploughing for years, hi: son doing all the heavy work on tho farm. Ho would probably have 120 acres of ploughing done, in addition to 20 acres already done. Ho cnnld perhaps manage if his son wore given timo. Ho would do his best, but it would' be pretty rough.—Tho appeal was dismissed, the appellant not to be called up boforo Jimo 30. The appeal of John Robert Clark (farmer, Mataiira). who was given a month to dispose of his property of 300 acres, was roopencd.—Mr D. L Poppohvcll, who appeared, said the appellant had received only one offer, and it was unsuitable. Thfi man had ono brother in Franco and another in camp. A third single brother had been rejected three times. He was willing to go if suitable arrangements could be made. A further adjournment for a month was granted, the Efnnioncy Board to report. David Dickie Clcghorn (farmer. Kelso), for whom Mr J. A. Moyle appeared, entered an appeal on tho usual grounds. Ho paid ho had one brother in the Second Division, nine miles away from his own place, but it was not practicable for him to manage both places. There were 950 sheep and lambs on his property, 200 of them being lambs. About 60 acres of green crop would be required for food.—The board-.was of opinion that tho brother could work both farms, and tho appeal was d.smissed, tho appellant not to be called up before May 31.

Edward Rabbidgo' (farmer, managing his father's farm of 750 acres, at Glenham) appealed on the usual grounds, and there was also an appeal by the father. Mr C. E. Davey represented the appellants. 'lhc father said he had been in possession of the farm for 28 years, and made it what it was. The portion of it worked by his son was an education leasehold. Edward d d practically all the horse work on the place, and ho himself had dono no horse work for seven or eight years. The case was adjourned sine due, conditional on the appellant remaining on the farm, the case to bo reviewed before the First Division is exhausted.

William Collins (farmer, Wendonside) appealed on tho usual grounds. He said ho had two brothers at tho front, with one of whom he was in partnership with the farm. There were also financial obligations to meet. Captain Mosloy sa d th:s seemed to be a very satisfactory case, and these people had done all that was possible. The case was adjourned sine die, , the appellant to remain on the farm.

An 'appeal on behalf of Frank Day (farmer, Waikaka) was entered by Annie Day (mother). Mrs Day said her son cultivated a 50-acrre farm, whioh supported hpr. and when not working at home, he was employed by others. She was a widow, and had lost one son in France.— The case was adjourned sine die on the usual conditions.. Mr D. L. Poppclwell appeared for tho appellant.Poter_ Murdoch (farmer. Gore) a-skod for exemption on the grounds of undue hardship ant] public interest. He said he had three brothers at the front, niirl thrre were financial and family ob! : <ntions requiring consideration. The remaining brother, who had been drawn in tho last ballot, had a farm adjoining his own. One man could perhaps manage both properties, but there was 'work for two. The case was adjoi'Tipd for a month in ord n r thnt the brofhor's case might he heard concurrently. Robert (dairy farmer. Glenham). for whom Mr D. M. Cochrane appeared, urged that, ho was the sole remaininsr son on his father's farm of 185 acres.. Besides himself an,d a brother on h's way to the front there was another sinprln brother, a cheesemaker. Witness ploughed 40 acres l"st year. Hi? father was unable to do any hard work. The case was adjourned sine dio on the usual conditions.

George Scott, (farmer. PiiWnu) appealed on the grounds of undue hardship and public] interest. Mr A. C. Smith appeared for him, and said the man was looking after the farms of his brother and his father, who was past work, as well as his own. The case was adjourned sine die on the usual terms.

Wm. 01ns., Bngrie (cheese' factory'manager. Owaka) asked for time to adjust his domestic 'arrangements, and there was also an appeal from tho company for total ox■ompt'on. The appellant not to.be called up before Juno 30.

John Young (dairy farmer, Wyndham), for whom Mr Davey appeared, entered an appeal on the usual two grounds. Tho family record being a good one, the case was adjourned sine die on tho customary conditions.

John O'NoHl (farmer. ■ Gore), for Tvhom T v Poppolwell appeared, vra-s granted until July 1 in response to an, appeal for,tim<> to do some ploughing. He said he was 20 years of age. and was rjuite will : n.cr to, fro. Thos. Middlemiss. jvm. (contractor. Waikak.i) askrd for time to wind up his affairs. He was given until the en& of May. John Henderson Miller "(farmer, Wainrumn). who asked for leave until tho end of May, had his appeal granted. Patrick Murray (farm manager and owner. Riversdale), who asked for time, was granted until tho end of June to adinst his affairs.

Win. Richardson (stock and station agent. Wyndham), for whom Mr Davey appeared, asked for time to clear away some financial obligations, and was granted till June 30-

Roherfc Jas. Wright, (farmer, Gore), who asked for an oppovtun'tv to arrnngo f:ivm manors, was granted until the end of M»v. Tho following appeals were formally dismissed, the appellants haying classed O2:-Cha.rl»s Alex. Allan '(mill owner, Pukornu), Thos. Jas. Baxter (farmer. Wendon), Joseph Buckley (farmer, Wnimrniru). Ohns. Fredk. Burgess (farmer. M'lhmru). •Tns. Campb"lT (store managor. Wai;->ahi)', Rdwin S. Collins Knapdnlo). Thos' Wilfred Grnen (blacksmith. Mandev : lle). Jas. Hall Henderson Mataiira)i D'-ivid M'Goivan (mnchine man in the Paper Mills. Mntmira). John Pcff"rs (farm hand Ralfonrl. Wm. Ri«k (saddler. Lnmsfloi)) Archibnld Stewart (farm labourer, Wendon)| Walker (stoker in the Paper Mills! Mat<mrn). Jas. S. Williamson (farmer*. Wyndham).

Appeals bv Henry Xnnnan Dobbio (farmer, Glenham), AYm. Glover (farmer. Matnura). Robert H:irt : o (fnrmer. Mntaiira), Jas. Kirk (farmer. Wa'koikoi). Tlios. Muir (ploughman. Balfour), Wavcrloy Bruce Scott (farmer. Matanra). and Jas. Frasnr (compositor. Gore) were adjourned until tho next sitting in Gore, ns the men had not been examined.

Appeals by Charles Kealy (farmer, Crookston). Roger Blaek Church (firmer, Balfour). nnd Harold Godfrey (wool sorter, Gore) W "re w'thdrwn, and therefore were formally dismissed. An nnpeal on behalf of ,T,nnß«lot JoliVison (clerk. Lurnsflen) was entered bv his father on th<? ground that he was under nge. and was allowed. «' . SITTING AT AUCKLAND. ■ ■ (Pen UNiTEr* P»»r<!«» .A<:snr;TATTr>M.) AUCKLAND, April 18. Before the First Mijitary Service Board, William V. Robinson (wool buyer) appealed, as he was not a New Zca,!and"rescrvist. Mr Witcombe, for the appellant, said the appellant came here in November, 1915. He ha"tl been, specially detained in connection with tho wool commandeered, and was paid' bv tho Imperial Government. Major Conlan said the Act was vaguo as to what constituted a reservist in the interpretation of "resident." Tho appellant had a further obligation, as he was liable for Homo service. Tho appellant had left Kngland twice since tho war started, and was willing to fight, bnt desired to go Homo, -where, his people lived. Major Conlan dreiv attention to a Defence Act regulation that residence of six months by persons under 30 years of ago made them liable for military training.

Counsel quoted authorities ns to varying , interpretations' of "' residence " during the war.

Ihe case was adjourned, and submitted for tho opinion of tho Solicitor-general, as suggested.

Major Conlan mentioned that there were many shearers and others from Australia not wishing to reside hero for any lengthy term because of , the doubtfulness of" the Act as to what period of residence constituted liability for service. MARINE ENGINEERS. DANGER OF SHORTAGE. (Pk« Ukitkr Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 18. Before tho Military Service Board appeals were. Hindi; on behalf of 24 marine engineers. Mr Kennedy, Wellington manager for the Union Company, snii] the company had gone fully into tho matter, and was quito satisfied that tho withdrawal of engineers called up in the ballot would moan nothing short of disaster. The company had advertised for engineers, and direct appeals were also made* to engineers who were knowli to bo in some other occupation. The replies were not numerous, and if the men drawn in the ballot were not exempted tho company would not have enough engineers to fulfil its requirements. Tho Chairman of the board said , tho board fully realised the importance of maintaining communication. It would probably refer the matter to the National Efficiency Board, and make known its decision tomorrqw.