MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3276, 27 December 1916, Page 43

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

SITTING IN DUNEDIN. The Military Service Board sat in the Law Courts buildings, in Dunedin, on Wednesday; present —Messrs H. Y. Widdowson, S.M. (chairman), A. D. Bell, and E. Kellett. Captain Free was the military representative and Major Moller (group commander) was associated with him. MEDICAL STUDENTS. Dr Lindo Ferguson (dean of the Otago Medical School) appealed on behalf of Edward Brown, on the ground that he was u medical student, and that the New Zealand Medical Corps had! expressed the desire that the supply of qualified medical men should bo maintained, which was impossible if the students were taken away. Similar appeals were made on the same grounds on behalf of Humphrey James Barnicoat (medical student), and Cyril Arnold King (medical student). Dr Ferguson said the suggestion had been made that the first-year class was large this year because a" number. of young men desired to' avoid military service. He would like to explain the position. In the past, Dunedin had not drawn many students from the North Island, particularly Auckland, for the reason that there was not much more separation from homo involved in sending students to the Old Country from Auckland than in sending them to Dunedin. At present, however, the students could not get out of the dominion, and instead of going away they came to Dunedin. Moreover, a large 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. Cyril King said he had been a medical Student for two years. Before that he was a science student. He had two brothers at the front. It had always been his intention to take the medical course. Edward Brown said before he went into the Medical School he had been school teaching to get money for his medical course. Ho had not thought of enlisting before ho went into the Medical School. He had 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 oases would be adjourned for a month. They did not dispute Dr Ferguson's word, but would like some further information with regard to theso two men. Barnicoat's appeal would be allowed.

CONTRACTS ON HAND. James Alex. Walquist, of St. Kilda, asphalting contractor, appealed on the ground that he had a mother and sister depending on him, and that his business •would' be ruined through the complicated nature of the work requiring his special supervision.—Mr T. K. Sicley appeared for him. Appellant gave evidence. His age was 42 years. His mother was in bad health. The Chairman: We find that all the women of the country arc in bad health. Witness, further examined, said ho had three brothers—John (40, single, now in camp), Alexander (married before the war), and William (Waikouaiti, married two years and a-half ago). William enlisted, but was turned down after being some time in camp. Witness had some land in crop, which he could not harvest till February or March. The Chairman: The appeal will be dismissed, but the appellant will not be 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 his business. It would be difficult, if _ not impossible, to get a man to take his placein fact, men had to be imported when wanted, and it took years of experience to make a man competent. Mr W. L. Moore appeared for the appellant. The Chairman said there was no doubt the appellant was an essential factor in the business. The time -might come when the man would be required for the service of his country, and the matter would then be reconsidered In the meantime, the board would adjourn the. case sine die. When it was absolutely necessary to have more men the appellant would be called up again. NOT UNDER SECTION 35.

George Alex. Henderson, of Dunedin, carpenter and joiner, appealed on the ground that, as his only brother had volunteered and been rejected, he did not come under section 35. Wm Wernham Henderson, of Dunedin, plumber, appealed on the ground, that he ■was permanently unfit Ho had offered his services and been rejected, and forwarded a certificate of rejection. Mr Adams appeared for the appellants. Mr Adams said the facts were admitted, tho only question being as to the law. He contended that section 35 applied only to a case where there were at least two brothers, both of whom wero fit for military service. Here there were only two brothers, and ono was permanently unfit. The section, therefore, did not apply, and there was no jurisdiction to call up George A. Henderson. Captain Freo said he read the section the other way—that it applied only where both brothers wera permanently unfit. Tho Chairman said he was against Captain Free's interpretation of the flection. One of these two men was obviously unfit, and the other must go out and take his chance in tho ballot. Both appeals wero formally allowed. BOTH TO GO.

Ernest John Wilson Hey, of Dunedin, plumber appealed on tho ground that he had contracted with one. Robert Phair, who -went with the Twentieth Reinforcements, to carry on his business. Joseph Albert Hey, of Duncdin, accountant, appealed on tho ground that ho was the sole support of his mother and tho partial ■ auport of two_ sisters, and that his Services were required by tho Standard Insurance Company, where ho was tho head accountant. The Chairman said that each appellant would be allowed a month in which to arrange. They would not be called up till tho 20th January. MENTAL HOSPITAL ATTENDANT. Dr Will, medical superintendent at Ashburn Hall (private mental hospital), appeal* d

against the enlistment of Harry Hamilton, engineer attendant at the hospital, on the ground that, all the old attendants having enlisted, Hamilton was the only one left with experience of the work, and at pre sent it was extremely difficult to get reliable men, and that it took time to train men.

Captain Free said that as the man was in camp the matter was in the hands of the commandant. The Chairman : All we can do is to allow the 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 he was 22 years old. a clicker employed by Ross and Glendinmg. Ho was the only one in the family. The clicking department had been very busy in the last few months. There were 12 hands. The Chairman said the case would stand down until the employers' appeal came to hand. In the meantime, the man would bo 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 flaxmill and farm, appealed on the ground that it was impossible to get a competent man to take charge of a flaxmill. He also urged business reasons, and stated that military service was against his religious beliefs. Mr D.' Rcid appeared for the appellants. He said the father was a strong member of the Brethren.

The Chairman: What Brethren arc they? Mr Reid: As far as I understand they have no form of creed. They take the Bible as their creed.

The Chairman: They go on their own in terprctation of the Bible?

Mr Reicl: Yes. Mr Bell: Every member of the sect can construe it as ho 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 were willing to perform other services that might be required of them, and they were not willing to sign such a document. The Chairman: Then we cannot entertain that ground. John Edward Jones, farmer, Brighton, said he was the father of the two appellants. 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. He had tried to get men to take his sons' places, but had been unsuccessful. Ho was not growing any wheat 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 —Yes. Do you think your family should not make any sacrifice for the country?—l did not think of it in that light. Is it fair that other men should make sacrifices and that you should make none?— It is a hard question to answer. The Chairman : Yes, it is very hard. _ Captain Free: I suppose you are getting a bigger price for your flax now than ever before?—! think the 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 comes round for help for a sick man, you don't take something out of it, do you?—No reply. Instead of assisting the weak you are robbing them.—lt is like this: If things go on as at present, how is the work to be carried on? . Work will have to go hang?—Well, people must live and someone must do the work. Some people have to die that others may ]j v 0 _ what are we to do with our land? Do you want to take a sheltered position all the time?—No. If it was not for divine revelation in the Book, there would be no hesitation in fighting. William Jones also gave evidence. Mo said ho had an objection to sign any form to fill a non-combatant capacity. It was against God for him to serve in any capacity—ambulance or any other. Mr Bell: Would you not carry a wounded man away?—Witness: I could not do it. The Chairman: We 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 sien a document to do non-combatant work, .e did not see his way clear to do it.

The Chairman: Is it because you are reap ing the benefits of the war in your business?—Witness: No. In giving the decision of the board, the Chairman said: With regard to the religious objections the two men have not signed the necessary declaration, and therefore thenappeal on that ground cannot be allowed. With regard to the other grounds, the appeal of James will be dismissed. The appeal of William will also be dismissed, but the appellant will not be called up before January 20. Ho will be allowed a month to make the necessary preparations. A RAILWAY HAND.

Josiah Andrew Dysart, of Roslyn, Dnnedin, appealed on the ground that he was the support of his widowed mother, a sister, and a' widowed sister with three children. Ho also urged financial reasons. Appellant said he was 21 years of ago, employed in the Railway Department. One brother voluntarily enlisted shortly boforo conscription came in, and one at Lower Hutfc had been drawn in tho second ballot. Witness answered some questions about money matters. His only reason for not enlisting was that he desired to support his mother and sister. Ho was not aware that, if ho went away, his mother would be paid a separation allowance of Is a day, in addition to anything ho might give to her out of his pay. The 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 Sourr appeared for tho appellant. Appellant said ho had a married sister at Waimato and a brother in camp. If witness bad to go to camp, there was no one to

attend to his mother. His sister had nine children.

Captain Free said that the two brothers between them could provide their mother with 49s per week. The Chairman said the case might be one of hardship, but it was questionable whether there 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 CASE FOR THE BALLOT. Francis Fitzpatrick, of South Dunodin. carpenter, appealed on the 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. The appeal was allowed, the chairman remarking that the appellant would take his chance in the ballot. TWO BROTHERS GOING. Patrick Fitzpatrick, of South Dunedin, carter, appealed on the ground that he was the support of his widowed mother, who was partially paralysed. Appellant, in reply to tho chairman, said he had only the one ground of appeal. _ He was 30 years of ago. He had two single sisters both living at home. He had four brothers—Joseph (single, 23), John (40, married for six years), James (27, married for eight years), and Peter (34, married for five years). The house he lived in belonged to his mother. Witness and his brother each paid her £1 a week. Tho appeal was dismissed. Joseph Fitzpatrick, of South Dunedin, coalman, brother of the previous appellant, appealed on the ground that he was the support of his mother. Appellant said he had enlisted, and did not intend to go on with tho appeal. Tho appeal was withdrawn.

SITTINGS AT TIMARU. TIMARU, December 22. Tho Military Service Board for Canterbury sat here to-day., when tho following appeals were dealt with: — 0. G. Wightman, secretary of tho Harbour Loard, said he was the sole support of an aged mother and a sister. His case waa adjourned sine die. Daniel Doyle, plumber, and Thomas Doyle, accountant.—The appeals were allowed on medical certificates. A third brother (Felix), a student, who was drawn in the ballot, did not appeal. William Fitzgerald, gardener, who had been in camp, and was released on the sudden death of the father, said there were eight sons. One had been killed in action, two were returned soldiers (one has a pension), and another was now returning. He was the chief support of his mother and sisters. Tho appeal was dismissed, as the grounds stated were insufficient. Alex. Watts May, baker, asked for time. He employed three married men, and was his own working foreman, and also went out with the cart. Several of his employees had gone to tho front, and he could not get men. He could not sell his business;. Adjourned sine die. Frederick Morrison, farmer, of Levels, said ho had 200 acres on lease, and a widowed mother was receiving the rent. Ho had two brothers in the first division, two in the second, two were over age, and one was a cripple and unable to assist. He also had financial obligations. Adjourned sine die. George Alfred Feildmg, jockey, of Riverton, said ho supported his mother and seven children. Ho had brothers in khaki. The chairman said the allowances from three sons would leave the mother better off, and tho appeal was dismissed. George William Langrish, road contractor, with horses and plant, said he had four brothers at tho front, and one of them was killed recently. He contributed to tlie support of his aged parents and invalid brother Another brother was under age. He had been contracting for several years. The chairman said the family had contributed well to tho war, and the appellant's plant Jould be made productive through contract ploughing Adjourned sine die. Leslie Carey Fenn, salesman, of Timaru, who has been married since the Act was passed, said he enlisted for the Twenty-fifth Reinforcements, but was drawn in the ballot. He asked for time to settle his business. Three weeks were allowed. Bertie Clarence Elliott, motor mechanic, said ho had one brother at the front and another at school. Ho contributed to his parents' support. Appeal dismissed. The appeals of Cecil Eric Smith, motor mechanic, and John A. Henderson, boot salesman, were disallowed, as each had one dependent who could bo supported by the allowance.

Charles P. Donn, insurance agent, was allowed three weeks, and James R. Hatton, picture operator (two brothers at the fronfl six weeks, in which to settle their affairs. Maurice Hyland, postal clerk.—Counsel asked that this case- stand over till two ether single brothers wero called, as they would go and let appeallant oft. They could more easily make the sacrifice. Adjourned sine die. Henry Alfred Homes, employed in Albury coal mine, was let off on the ground of public interest, on his employers' request. lie i-ad also been rejected as unfit. The appeal of Alex. D. Mitchell was dismissed, as he did not appear. Henry B. Smith, farmer, of Parcora, said ho had 50 acres of wheat, and asked that his call bo deferred till after harvest. Of five brothers, two had been rejected and three were married. Allowed to the end of February. Horaco L. Sturgcsa. railway employee, said ho had r.o one dependent on him. One brother bad returned invalided. Appeal disallowed. John M. Petrie, taxi driver, said he had been in camp, but was rejected as unable to stand th? training. He would not object to home service. The board accepted his- suggestion. George Christian Arras, son of an unnaturalised German, i said he could speak a little German, and had corresponded regu■v with relatives in Germany. Ho had as much sympathy with Germany as with Britain. He could not servo under suspicion. If anything went wrong he would be blamed. Appeal dismissed, and tho chairman said he would bring the remark about sympathy under tho notice of the Defence authorities. APPEALS IN CANTERBURY. CHRISTCIIURCH, December 19. Tho Military Service Board sat to-day. Ernest Crozior and George Crozior, dairy farmers, appealed on tho ground of undue hardship and public interest. It was stated

that if one brother were called up they would have to sell half their milk run and allow the farm to lapse into a state of unproductivity. The Chairman (Mr J. S. Evans, S.M.) said the board recognised that industries must be carried on, but it did not see that because if one of two brothers working a farm were called up hall the farm's productivity would be lost He believed in the case of two brothers working a farm one should bo called up and the other left to manage it with the assistance of labour. Labour could be secured —it was only a question of paying for it. The appeal of George Crozier was allowed, and that of Ernest was dismissed. Henry Stanley Gordon (jeweller) and George Clifford Gordon (compositor), both of New Brighton) appealed on the ground of undue hardship. It was stated that they were the sons of a widow. One was prepared to go if the other was exempted. Harry's appeal was dismissed, and George's was allowed. John Thompson, Papanui, appealed on the ground of unfitness, and the appeal was allowed. John Henry Doherty (metal worker), Christchurch. appealed on the ground of undue hardship. His stepfather was at the front, and he supported the household. The appeal was adjourned sine die. William Harry Jones (storekeeper) Christchurch, appealed on the grounds of hardship. It was stilted that ibnc brother was at the front, and that the appellant volunteered for service, but was rejected on account of rheumatism. lie had bought a store, and had incurred financial obligations. The case was allowed to stand over till the appellant was medically examined. The appeal of Leo Marcus Gregory (Christchurch) on the grounds of undue hardship was dismissed. The appellant managed his mother's private hotel, and r;.n a farm on his own account. He desired six months' exemption, but was allowed one month to make 'arrangements. Dr John David Marks (Christchurch) appealed on the groifnd that his calling up was contrary to the public interest. The appellant stated that ho had no personal objections to serving as a medical man, but the reason he was appealing was that he was not sure that the Medical Board would pass him as a medical man but rather for the trenches. He was prepared to go as a medical man, but he considered that his services were more necessary as a doctor here than as a combatant in the trenches. The Chairman said it made no difference to the community here whether the appellant went as a medical man or a combatant. The appellant admitted that no man was indispensable. The Chairman suggested that the appellant should go before the Medical Board and see how he got on. This course was decided upon, and the appeal was adjourned sme die. Charles Henry Melhuish (pickle manufacturer). Christchurch, appealed on the ground of undue hardship. He stated that he was necessary in the business as no one else knew the secrets of preserving pickles. The appeal was dismissed, but the appellant was allowed till the end of March. The appeal of John Stevens, Fendalton, to be declared fit for home service was dismissed.

Charles James Goulding (telegraphist). Christchurch), appealed on the ground of undue hardship. He said he was married in September, 1915, and had a wife and child to support. He felt strongly on the point of married men being called up. The Chairman said no principle was involvcdas the appellant was married after the period allowed by the Act. If the appellant were exempted the board would have to exempt all men married since May 1, 1915. The appeal was dismissed. Charles M. S. Haddock (storeman), Christchurch, appealed on the ground of undue hardship. Ho said he was an only son, and had to support his mother. The ease was adjourned for throe months. Thomas William Maffey (dairy farmer). Little River, appealed on the ground of undue hardship and public interest. He said he had an invalid brother dependent on him. The case was adjourned for six months.

William Henry Harvey (market gardener), Heathcote Valley, appealed on thn grounds of undue hardship and calling. His mother was dependent on him. The case was adjourned to allow the appellant to be examined by the Medical Board. The case of Reginald Gordon Douglas (dental mechanic), Fendalton, was adjourned till tho next sittings to allow the appellant to substantiate statements regarding financial obligations. Aaron M'Millan (hawker). Chnstchurch, appealed on the grounds that his calling up was contrary to the public interest. If medically fit he_ was willing to go. Tho appeal was dismissed. Tho board then adjourned till to-morrow. CHRISTCHURCH, December 20. The Military Service Board continued its sittings to-day. William Thomas Hobbs, dairy farmer, New Brighton, who appealed on the 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 he would not be 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. The case was adjourned sine die. Henry Walter Samuels, law clerk, Papanni, 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. The appeal was allowed, tho chairman stating that if called up by ballot the reasons for the present exemption, which were financial obligations, would not be considered. John William Samuels, painter, Papanui, withdrew his appeal, and George Arthur Samuels was granted exemption, he being the support of his mother and sister. Reginald Corfield Jaggar, piano tuner, Christchurch, who was married on May 19, 1915, and had two children, appealed on the grounds of undue hardship. The appeal was dismissed, but the appellant was allowed three months to make arrangements. Ernest John Berry, grocer, Sydenham, appealed on the grounds of undue hardship. His partner was at the front, and his brother, who was an assistant in the business, had broken down in health, and if appellant wore called up the business would have to be sold. The appeal was adjourned for three months to enable evidence to be adduced about the brother. Marshall Henry Robinson, butcher, Sumner, appealed on"tho ground of undue hardship. Ho was in business with his brother, who had been rejected. The appeal was dismissed. Tho appeal of Ernest George Allan, seaman, Lyttelton, on the ground that his calling up was contrary to the public interest, was adjourned till next month. Stephen Henry Mildren, contract plough*

man. Richard Henry Mildren, cartage contractor, and George Henry Mildren, carter, o{ Opawa, appealed against being called up under section 35 on the grounds that their calling up was contrary to the public interest and caused undue hardship. Appellants intimated that they had come to the conclusion that their place was nt Lome. The appeal of George Henry was dismissed, and the other two go to the ballot. The appeal of Michael Malley, labourer, Sydenham, solo support of his mother and invalid sister, was ,:'.>•■•;! to stand over indefinitely. The appeals of John Hayes, farmer, West Melton, and Joseph Roland Tyson, farmer, Springston South, on the grounds of undue hardship and contrary to the public interest, were adjourned sine die; as was that of Philip H. W. Brown, electrical engineer, Feudal ton. SITTING AT HAWERA. HAWERA, December'l9. The Military Service Appeal Board held a sitting at Hawera to-day. An appeal by J. J. Cahill (carrier), on the ground that he was not a Reservist, being over ago, was allowed. J. J. King (dairy farmer) appealed on the ground of occupation and undue hardship. The appeal was dismissed, the appellant being given leave until the end of January. Appeals by W, A. Carroll (blacksmith), A. Carroll (dairy farmer), and J. O'Grady (labourer) were allowed, the Medical Board reporting the appellants to bo unfit. J. J. Pickering and G. Pickering appealed on the ground of occupation and undue hardship. It was stated that George had agreed to go into camp, leaving ono brother to carry on the farm. The board agreed to this. An appeal by J. F. King, on the ground of undue hardship, was adjourned sine die, provided the appellant remained in his present position, managing his brother's farm.

SITTINGS AT HAMILTON. HAMILTON, December 21. Of 13 appellant* before the Military Service Board to-day 12 were granted a short extension to settle their affairs. One was dismissed. The majority of the appellants were dairy farmers, who declared that it was impossible to get labour at any price, and to be sent away would mean that tho cows and farms would go to ruin. Major Conlan (the military representative) said it was possible that the Government: would supervise tho farms of men on service, and it was not improbable that rejects would be conscripted as farm workers, as he did not think the Government would allow farms to remain unproductive during tho owners' absence.

HAMILTON, December 22. During the hearing of a number of appeals for exemption from military service to-day Major Conlan (the military representative) said he was struck by the apparent (Treat fihortasre of dairy farm labour in the Waikafco. He thought this knowledge should be made general, as it. was possible that men from other districts might be induced to come her. 0 , as the wages appeared to be good It might be possible for the Government labour representative to keep a record of the men wanted nnd circularise the agricultural associations in other parts, while exchange of labour with other districts might be possible. The board agreed that there appeared to be a district shortage.

Hercules Johnston, aged 40 years, a blacksmith, asked for temporary exemption from service on the grounds of public interest by reason of his occupation, and undue hardship on account of ill-health. Ho put in a doctor's certificate stating that his hearing was defective owing to chroni. catarrh. He stated that he had volunteered for service in November, then asking foi .six months' exemption. Ho now asked foi three monthsS.time. Tt was eight year? since he was first examined for car trouble. There was a great shortage of blacksmiths, who were needed to keep the farming industry going with implements. The appellant showed no sign of deafness in the box. and Major Conlan said the appellant had been examined by the Medical Board, who said that he could hear whispers. The appellant admitted this, but said he was cone'derablv affected by colds, and always had noises' in his ear. He also spoke of having heart trouble. Major Conlan remarked tha'.: the doctors did not mention these. Owino- to his close examination by Major Conlan. Johnston became 6trange in. manner and shortly afterwards swooned, and w- removed by a constable to a chair, wh.pn< -storatives were applied. The ' oaid decided that Johnston was capable of service, but granted exemption until February 28.

SHORTAGE OF COAL MINERS. A TRUCKER EXEMPTED. HAMILTON, December 21. The question of the exemption to coal miners again came before the Military Service Board here to-day. A telegram was read from the Taupin Company, stating that there was a great shortage of coal miners and truckers, and urging the necessity for the exemption. The company had been unaware of any appeals by its employees. Mr James Bishop (general manager of the company) stated that there was a growin"- scarcity of hewers and trackers. _ The company could not snare any men without breaking faith with its customers. The board decided that the retention of truckers was essential, and in the adjourned case of a trucker's appeal exemption wrs granted so long as the appellant remams m his present occupation.