MILITARY SERVICE BOARD

Otago Witness, Issue 3312, 5 September 1917, Page 6

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD

SITTING AT LAWRENCE. The Otago No. 2 Military Service Board —Messrs V. G. Day, S.M., li. Broen, and A. S. Orbull—-sat at Lawrence on (.lie 27th ult., when 20 appeals were dealt with. 'ihomas Wiieiun (Mr Moyle) appealed for exemption ior his son, Stephen Francis Whelan, on the ground of undue hardship. —Adjourned for three months. Kienard lums (fruitgrower, iloxburgh) appealed on the ground of undue hardship. —Adjourned until the next sitting for a report. \\ lJiiam Jordan Harris appealed on the ground of undue hardship.—Adjourned for u inontii tor a report. Alexander James Uameron (farm manager, House Shoe Bend) appealed on the ground of iiiieiue hardship.—Adjourned until next silling, the appellant being asked to produce uwiuiuuis to suustantiato thd figures he had piao d before the board. William Daniel Homer (farmer, Miller's Flat) appealed ou the ground of undue hardship. Lie was the only son of his widowed i. ; .other, and was managing her farm.—Adjourned for three months, with the intimation that appellant would probably have to go at the end of that period. Duncan Sellars (sheep farmer, Miller's Flat) appealed on the ground of undue hardship, in that he had three runs to look after. —Adjourned for two months. Lieo. Edward iiicharcison (fanner, Miller's Flat), classed D2, appealed on the ground of undue hardship.—Granted leave until the November dralt. lioboit M*Gaw parmer, Waiiahuna), whose case was before the board on March 12, and adjourned sine die, came up again. He staled that his position had not changed in the meantime, and he was still the only one at home to carry on his lather's farm. — Adjourned for three months. Thomas Tracey (farmer, Tuapcka West) appealed on the ground ol undue hardship. —The appellant istated that he had an" invalid brother, who was not able to do much work.—The appeal was dismissed, the appellant to go mto camp in January. George Matheson ( sheep farmer, Lawrence) appealed on the ground of undue hardship.—Adjourned for three month*.

Humphrey Friel (farmer, Waitahuna) appealed on the .ground of undue hardship. —Adjourned for three months. David Murdoch (fanner, Waitahuna) appealed on tho ground of undue hardship, —Adjourned for three months. John Walter Crozier appealed on the ground of undue hardship as ho was managing a farm for his father, who was' 80 years of age, and there was no one else to carry on the place.—Adjourned for three months.

The appeal of James Roughan (farmer, Waitahuna West), who appealed on the ground of undue hardship, was adjourned until tho next sitting to enable a report to be obtained as to his position. Edward Frederick Shaw (Waitahuna) appealed on tho ground that ho was managing his father's farm, and there was no one to look alter the place.—Adjourned for two months. Samuel French (farmer, Forsyth) appealed on the ground of undue hardship, in that he was managing three farms—one owned by his mother, and tho others owned ly his three brothers, who were at the front, and himself. —Adjourned for three months. Henry Lawrence David Brett. —The appellant said he was still trying to get a man to relieve him while he went on active service.—Adjourned for three months. Livingstone Francis Armstrong (farmer, Miller's Flat) appealed on the ground that ho had been declared C2.—Tho appeal was allowed under Clauso 35. Thomas Michael Hunt (farmer, Evans Flat), who had been declared C2, withdrew his appeal. SITTING AT OAMARU. Tho sitting of the? Otago No. 1 Military Service Board was continued at Oamaru on tho 28th ult. The board consisted of Messrs H. Y. Widdowson, S.M. (chairman, E, Kellett, and A. D. Bell. Captain Free was tho military representative, and he was assisted by Captain Redmond (group commander). James Meiklo (butcher, Oamaru). —Adjourned sine die. John Couplan Stevenson (agricultural farmer, Inchoimo). —The Chairman said the board was of opinion that tho case should be adjourned until tho Class B men of the Second Division cama up for examination Alexander Henderson Copland (farmer, Weston). —Adjourned to permit of appellant being medically examined. Andrew O'Grady (farmer and minor, Livingstone).—Appeal dismissed, appellant to go with the October draft. John Cairns Ingram (farmer, Pukeuri). — Adjourned sine die, case being subject to review at any time. William Alexander Cottimgham (farmer, Weston), for whom Mr Ongley appeared, said appellant had no intention of appealing originally, but his mother had since broken down in health. —The Chairman said loavo would be granted until the October draft, and if appellant wanted tho time extended he could mako written application through the group commarder. William Charles Card (sheepf armor, Otiake), for whom Mr Hjorring appeared, said his father was an invalid. He had 5000 acres. —Adjourned sine die. Patrick Greancy (farm assistant, Duntroon). —Adjourned sine die. Jesse Taylor (Kokoamo) appealed for Herbert Wright, ploughman, on the ground that his services were essential. —Appeal dismissed. Martin Coughlan (farmer, Hildorthorpe), who was working 233 acres, had his appeal adjourned sino die. Alfred Frederick Ralph (draper's assistant, Oamaru). —Adjourned sine die, the Chairman remarking that he would _ communicate with the Financial Assistance Board on the matter. Robert Sparks (faimer, Ardgowan) said he was the sole support of his widowed mother, who was 76 years of age. —To bo adjourned sine die, on the understanding that tho appeal may bo reviewed at any Alexander Frank Gray (Oamaru). —Tho Chairman said there were leally no grounds of appeal: the man would have to go with the November draft. The following reservists had their appeals either withdrawn or formally dismissed, thev being classed C2 : —James M'Donald (Enfield), Walter Aitchison (Herbert), William Gilchrist (Ardgowan), Douglas Stewart

(Xurow), and Henry Williams (Hilderthorpc). Roanleyn Gordon C. Munro (farmer, Otcmatata), for whom Mr Hjorring appeared, was recommended to "Jo medically re-examined. SITTING AT MILTON. Tho No. 2 Otago Military Service BoardMessrs V. G. Day, £>. M. (chairman). 11. Breen, and A. S. Orbell—sat at Milton on the 28th ult, and dealt with 21 cases. William Augustus Raitt (fanner, Milburn). —Adjourned for three months. William Thomas M'Guigan (farmer. Glenledi).—Adjourned for throe months for a report. James Forsyth Muir (farmer, Clarendon). —Adjourned three months for a report, the chairman remarking that appellant might have to go into camp at the end of that time. Michael Costello (farmer, Table Hill, Milton). —Adjourned for a month. Alfred Higgs (farmer, near Milton).— Adjourned for two months, the appellant being informed that ho would probably have to go into camp then. Tho Bvne.fi Woollen Company appealed on behalf of Peter Colvin Farrell, carder.—The appeal was dismissed. Farrell being required to enter camp on November 12. Charles Thomas Lowery (farmer, Lovell's Flat). —Adjourned for two months for a report.

Joseph Andrew M'Neill (farmer, Circle Hill).—Adjourned for two months for a report. William Sinclair Knarston (Taieri Mouth). —Adjourned for throe months. The appeal of George Bowie, who did not. appear, was dismissed. The appeal of John Porter (Tokoiti), for whom Mr Rutherford appeared, was adjourned for two months for a report. Charles Lionel Sihale (farmer, Clarksville). —Adjourned for two months. James Patrick Lynch (wool classer, Milton), for whom Mr Thompson appeared, had his appeal adjourned for three months on condition that ho remained in his present occupation at a freezing works. The appeal of James Hamilton was adjourned for a month for a medical reexamination. Adam Archibald M'Corkindale, farmer.— Adjourned for three months for a report. Michael Maley, farmer, Clarksville, (Mr Rutherford) appealed on the ground that he was the only one to carry on the place, his partner being at the front.—Adjourned for three months. Robert Clarke, farmer, Lovell's Flat, had hjs appeal adjourned until next sitting for the purposes of a medical re-examination. The appeal of William Alexander Tweed, on the grounds of undue hardship, was adjourned for three months for a report. The appeals of William Alexander Peattio (Clarkesville), John Charles Smith (Waihola), and James Johnston (Clarkesville) were each adjourned for three months. SITTING AT BALCLUTHA. The board sat at Balclutha on the 28th ult., when 25 appeals were dealt with. George Hay appealed on the ground that he was the only one left to look after tho mother's farm.—Adjourned for three months. Magnus George Tait appealed on the ground of undue hardship.—Adjourned for a month for medical examination. Frederick Plow (dairy farmer. Parctai) appealed on tho ground of undue hardship.— Adjourned for a month for medical examination. , Alexander Walker Roger—Adjourned until the first sitting in' October. The appeal of Peter Dippie (farmer, Paretai) was adjourned for a month for medical examination. The Department of Agriculture appealed for exemption for Archibald Taylor Rutherford urging that there was now a shortage of meat inspectors. The department was havino- men trained to relieve First Division reservists.—The appeal was adjourned sine die, conditional upon this man remaining in his present position. Matthew Brown (farmer, Wangaloa), for whom Mr R. R. Stewart appeared, appealed on the ground of undue hardship. —Adjourned for a month. William Cochrane Smaill appealed on the ground of undue hardship.—Adjourned for three months. Bruce Miller Anderson (farmer, Stirling) appealed on the ground of undue hardship. —Adjourned for a month for tho production of a medical discharge. Thomas Proctor appealed on the ground that his calling up would be contrary to public interest.—Mr D. Stewart stated that tho man had his father, mother, and sisters to carss- for.—Adjourned for throe months. Thomas Parker (Stirling) appealed for exemption for his son, Frederick George Parker, on the ground of undue hardship.—■ Adjourned for three months. George Jackson Dent (farmer, Pueru.i). — Adjourned for three months. The appeal of George Finch, jun., was adjourned for three months. The appeals of Wm. Henry Shearing, John Muir Mitchell, and Wm. Langmuir, who had been classed C2, were allowed. The following appeals were adjourned for three months:— Robert Hastings John Cochrane (Balclutha), John James Heard (Papatowai). Alexander Armstrong (Hillcnd), Harold William Hardy (Greenfield) James Randal Skinner (Balclutha), Wm. Twaddie (Balclutha), and John Faisley (Wharetoa). SITTING IN DUNEDIN. A sitting of the Otago (No. 1) Military Service Board was commenced in Dunedin on the 29th. The board consisted of Messrs H Y. Widdowson. S.M. (chairman), E. Kellett, and A. D. Bell. Captain Free was the military representative. The following among other cases were dealt with: The appeal of Harry Macdonald (blacksmith and farmer. Hindon), for whom Mr Scurr appeared, was adjourned with a recommendation that appellant be again medically examined. . Cedric Stanton Hicks (medical student, Ravensbourne) wrote withdrawing his appeal—The Chairman said he was not satisfied.'—Captain Free stated that as the result of inquiries ho found Dr Valintme (Inspector-general of Hospitals) had appealed on behalf of Hicks before the No 3 Wellington Board, and tho appeal had been adjourned sine die.—The Chairman: "But Hicks is not employed in Wellington. If he is employed anywhere he is employed here." In his opinion tho Otago Board was the onlv one competent to hear his appeal.—Captain Free said he quite agreed that this board was the best qualified to deal with Hicks's appeal.—lhe Chairman: "I maintain that it was not competent for any other board to hear

the appeal." —Leave to withdraw the appeal was granted.—Captain Free stated that he was communicating with Wellington on the matter. Chas. Frissell Ivory (working manager, Fruitlands) had his appeal supported by the Ivorys Nurseries (for whom Mr S. Solomon, K.C., appeared), and the Central Fruitlands (for whom Mr Tonkinson appeared).—Mr Solomon said he was not asking for total exemption, he only wanted time.—The Chairman said the Efficiency Board recommended that appellant be granted until November.—Mr Solomon said it was necessarv that appellant's services be retained until January. Appellant was not onlv an expert in farming, but an expert in" irrigation as well, and he was the one man who understood the intricate system of irrigation adopted on the property. They had a young man on the place who was acquiring" a knowledge of the property and its working.—E. C. Reynolds (chairman of directors of the Fruitlands Co.) said that, acting under the advice of the Efficiency Board, the company had sown wheat. This would not be successful unless properly irrigated, and appellant was the only man who thoroughly understood this work. The company had ' advertised extensively throughout the dominion for a manager to replace appellant, but had not been successful. Appellant had been on the property since the inception of the scheme, and his services were invaluable. It was in connection with the complicated nature of the irrigation system that the reservists services were so valuable.—Mr Solomon said it would perhaps simplify matters if_ he mentioned that the reservist had just intimated to him that he was quite agreeable to go in December.—Appeal dismissed, reservist to go into camp with the December draft. , ._ .. The appeal of Andrew Garden R ei «> farmer, was adjourned for two months, he having been classed 82, and due for medical re-examination within that period. The following appeals were either withdrawn or formally dismissed, the appellants having been classed C2:—Hugh Fraser dairy farmer), John William Sheppard (dairy farmer). Harold Handforth (bootmaker) James Reid (farmer), for whom Mr Allan appeared, appealed on the ground of undue hardship.—Appellant said he supported his widowed mother, sister, and wife by nie work on the farm.—Adjourned sine die, the chairman pointing out that it was possible that the matter would come up for review at the extreme end of the First Division or during the first class of the Second Division. , AT Patrick M'Donaid (farmer), for whom Mr Irwin appeared, appealed on the ground of undue hardship—Appellant said he was the only man on the farm. His mother and aunt lived there, but both were elderly The Chairman said that the report before the board expressed the opinion that appellant was not absolutely essential, and that the place could be managed with a little assistance.—Appellant said that his ground had been under water, and that he was only now able to put in crop. The cattle would also have to be looked after.—Adjourned sine die, subject to revision at any time. Robert Jury (farm labourer), who was represented by Mr Scurr, appealed on the ground of undue hardship. There was also an appeal bv Minnie Jury, as employer Mr Scurr said that since the original hearing another son had gone to the front, making five.—lt was stated that one son had returned invalided, been discharged, and in error drawn in the ballot. He had declined to appeal and had gone back again.—The chairman said the family had done excellently, and the appeal would be adjourned sine die. Robert Oliver Crawford (dairy farmer, Scacliff), for whom Mr Stephens appeared, had his appeal supported by his mother. Tho reservist was the only son at home. The property consisted of 46 acres.— —Adjourned till next sitting to permit the reservist's uncle i>oing in attendance. Albert J. Ings (dairy farmer, Tomahawk), for whom Mr Hanlon appeared, appealed on the ground of undue hardship.—The Chairman said that the board's information v/as that appellant was not engaged in an essential industry, but was principally engaged in dealing in stock.—The Chairman said the appellant would have to go into camp with the October draft. Richard Burgess (dairy farmer, Higheliff), for whom Mr Hanlon appeared, said he had the assistance of a casual labourer on tho farm. He was the only child in the family. His father was not able to do anything. He had not been over the faa-m for two years. — The Chairman said tho board's advice was that the services of the reservist were not essential on the farm. The appeal would bo dismissed, the appellant to go into camp with the October draft. Robert Clark (dairy farmer, Hooper's Inlet), for whom Mr Hay appeared, said ho was deaf in the right oar. His father and he were joint owners in the farm. They had made' 2OoOlbs of butter since last October. The father and mother'were partially \ dependent on appellant. His father and mother received an income of something like £l4O per annum. One of his sisters wae earning 10s per week. —Tho Chairman said the Efficiency Board's report was that, although the appellant was engaged in an essential industry, ho was not essential to that industry. The board was of opinion that the farm could be leaded for grazing purposes.—Mr Hay said that if the place were let it would not pay the rent that appellant was paying for it, and the reservist was a conscientious objector—ho belonged to the Brethren. He would respectfully suggest that the host place for tho man would be on his farm.—Adjourned, with a recommendation that appellant be medically re-examined. William Kirkland Kirk and Robert Twelvetree Kirk (farmers, Mosgiel) had their appeals supported by Mary A. and Goorgina Kirk (mother and aunt).—Mr J. Wilkinson appeared for the parties.—Tho Chairman said the Efficiency Board had reported that Robert was not essential to tho farm. —Mr Wilkinson said the death of an uncle recently, and the flooding of the properties, had added to tho appellants' difficulties. Both were engaged in a most essential industry.— Tho Chairman: " Tho question is which is tho most essential—tho Empire or those farms?" —Mr Wilkinson said the family had a vory fine record as far as active service was concerned.—Tho Chairman paid ho quite endorsed what Mr Wilkinson had said with regard to the Kirk family's lecord in war service. Tho appeal of_ William would •be adjourned sine dia, conditional upon his remaining in his present occupation, and Robert's appeal would he dismissed, but he would not require to go to camp before the December draft. William Donald Stewart (dairy farmer. Sandymount) appealed on tho ground of undue hardship.—The Chairman said tho Efficiency Board suggested that tho farm

should bo carried on as a grazing farm.— Adjourned for three months, appellant being advised to prepare to go into camp at the end of that period.

The sitting of the Otago (No. 1) Military Service Board was resumed on Thursday. Ihe board consisted of Messrs H. Y. Widdowson, S.M. (chairman), A. D. Bell, and K Kcllett. Captain Free was the military representative. Among the cases dealt with were the following: The appeal of Dr Griffin (Naseby), whica was held over from the Naseby sitting to permit of arrangements being made with J)r Byat'S re attending to the appellant's practice, was dealt with, appellant agreeing fco go with the October draft. John Inglis Norton (cheese facto; y manager, Middlemarch), who was represented by Mr Irwin, stated that there was no appeal by the employers owing to the factory having been closed at the time thufc the appeal should have been lodged.—Adjourned for a month. Joseph Moore Beattio (farmer, Ngapuna) was appealed for by his father.—Mr Payne, who appeared for tho latter, said the father would Live liked to retain the reservist's services until January, but the reservist was anxious to get away, and tho appellant was agreeable to going in November.— Appeal dismissed, appellant to go into camp with the November draft. Archibald Donald M'Donald (farmer, Henley), for whom Mr Allan appeared, had his appeal adjourned sine die. Jamas M'Beath (teamster, Waikouaiti) had his appeal supported by A. W. Douglas (his employer).—Mr Scurr appeared for both parties.—Mr Douglas said he had 800 acres under the plough on his various properties. Wet weather during the winter had delayed ploughing for about six weeks. He had not appealed for any of his men, with the exception of M'Beath. whom witness considered a most capable and dependable man. He had been employed by witness for eight years. Ho had _ three, other men in his employ who were in tho First Division, but he did not intend appealing for any of these. —Adjourned for two months.

Albert Brightling (farmer, Merton) had his appeal supported by his father. Mr Scurr, who appeared for'the appellant, stated that another brother, who was joint manager with appellant. Avas killed on active service. The appellant said he had. tried to get a manager, but had failed.—Mr Scurr stated that appellant was quite willing to go if an efficient manager could be secured. —Mr Bell said he quite recognised that it would be necessary to secure a reliable man.—Adjourned for a month, the board supplying the name of a man who would probably undertake the duties of managerRobert Hunter (farmer. South Dunedin). for whom Mr Scurr appeared, was classed T 32. —Captain Free said the appellant would have to bo re-examined medically on October 20. —Appellant stated that he was the only surviving son of military , age. His younger brother was 18 years of age. — Adjourned sine die. Robert Johnston (auctioneer), the solo support of his widowed mother, who was in a very indifferent state of health, had his appeal adjourned sine die. John Samson Fleming, jun. (orchardist, Mosgiel) had his appeal supported by his 'employer (Mrs Alice Jano Ings, East Taieri). —The reservist's father stated that his wife was still in a very delicate state of hcaliih.—Adjourned till the October sitting. Forrester Lennox Weddell (chauffeur, Mosgiel), appealed on the ground of undue hardship.—He said he had tried to leave New Zealand, and it was only the passport regulations which prevented him from going. This was in October last. iiis father died from heart failure about this time. His mother's health was indifferent, and it was only a matter of time when ho would require to get assistance for her. His mother was in much the same state of health when he had endeavoured to go to Australia as she was at the present time.—Mr F. G. Cumming said the mother could not possibly be left alone. —Appellant, further examined, said he had a married brother employed at the Mosgiel Woollen Factory, who had five children. This brother would not be likely to undertake the care of his mother. —Adjourned for a month to enable further inquiries to be made.

William Ross M'Dougall (blacksmith).— An appeal also by Wm. M'Dougall, as employer.—Adjourned sine die. The appeal of /■dam Wilkinson (farmer) was adjourned for two months, the appellant having been classed B2 and listed for medical re-examination within that time. The appeal of Robt. Frame Thomson (dairy farmer, Green Island) was adjourned for a morth, and that of Ohas. Gibson was formally dismissed, appellant having been granted the financial assistance asked for.