MILITARY SERVICE BOARD

Otago Witness, Issue 3327, 19 December 1917, Page 6

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD

SITTING AT GORE.

(Fkou Our special Reporter.) GORE, D-v>:mbor 11

A sitting of tKo Otago Military Service Board was held here to-day. The board consisted of Messrs H. Y. Widdowson, S.M. (chairman), A. D. Bell, and E. Kehect. Captain Free was the military rcpresei'tallobcrt Gray, dairy fanner, Matau?a (Mr. Cochrane).— This was an appeal which was heard.at a .previous sitting. Appellants father said he was 75 as finance was concerned tiicro was no difticuity in the way of his employing labour, but he could not get labour. He had six sons, only one of whom was at the front. He had another son who was drawn in the ballot, and who intended appealing.— Captain Free said the question was whether the family had dono its duty. Personally, he thought it had not.—Mr Cochrane said some of the sons had farms of their own, and one was in charge of ~* cheese factory, the annual output of which was 75 tons. This son would not be of any use on the farm, as he had been cheese-making since ho was 14 years of age. The appellant owned a farm of his own consisting of 200 acres; it adjoined the father's property.— To Mr Kellett: None of his sons had volunteered.—Mr Kellett pointed out that they were now dealing with married men, who would have to go, and single men like the appellant who were fortunate enough to have farms would be left.—The Chairman said that as far as present military Arrangements were concerned the appellant would not be required to go into camp until April. By that time the farming operations would be pretty well through. How the matter was to be arranged would be left to the family themselves. The board was decidedly of opinion that this man should go. He would have to go into camp in April. Edgar Johnston Watt, draper, Gore (Mr Cochrane) applied for time. He said ho would like until June 30.—The Chairnlftn pointed out that from the documents in Iront of the board it was shown that the appellant's wife, who was a milliner prior to her marriage, was going to take charge of the business. The appellant's family was to be complimented on its record. The ap- ■ pellant was the only member of the family left. He would be allowed until May before going into camp. Arthur David Hancox (sheep farmer, Tapanui) appealed on the ground of undue hardship. He had to keep his mother, who was in delicate health, and there were three orphan children partly dependent on him. — Conditional exemption was granted. Matthew Haugh, farmer, Edievale (Mr Moyle), an adjourned appeal. Appellant said he was the only single man on the farm. His father was 71 years of age, and resided with the appellant. He. had a brother on a farm a short distance away. — The Chairman said the financial position was such that the family could obtain labour, and there was also in the family sufficient ability to supervise. The appeal would be dismissed, appellant not to • be called up till April. Donald Thomson M'Kay (farmer, Weridonside), for. whom Mr Cochrane appeared, stated that ho was "the last man on two farms." He had only one brother, and he was at the front. —Conditional exemption granted. Thomas Mullane, farmer, Otikerama (Mr Poppelwell), an adjourned appeal.—The appellant stated that he was looking after a farm of 238 acres. He had a brother who was on his way to the front. —Adjourned to next sitting of the board for the attendance of the father, whom the board wished to examine regarding the purchase of the Knapdale property. John Haugh, farmer, Heriot (Mr Moyle), who was shown to have been wrongly classed, was 'transferred to C class. John George Fraser Munro, farmer, Mataura (Mr Poppelwell), withdrew his appeal, his brother (aged 17) having now left school and taken on farm work. —To go into camp with the April draft. Patrick Monaghan, farmer, Gore (Mr Poppelwell), an adjourned appeal.—Counsel stated, that the appellant volunteered early in the war, sold his farm, and was subsequently rejected as medically unfit. Later he was drawn in the ballot, and was passed as fit. In the meantime he had purchased another farm. —Adjourned till the January sitting, pending the hearing of a brother's appeal. Ernest Stanley Joshua Moore (dairy farmer, Brydone) appealed on the ground of undue hardshio. He had one brother at the front. The property belonged to his mother. His parents resided in Christchurch. His father was 80 years of age. Appellant did all the work on the farm. His wife assisted him with the milking of 38 cows. Appellant was looking after his brother-in-law's farm as well. This brother-in-law had not done # any work for 12 months. He was suffering from rheumatism.—Adjourned for three months. Cecil Cnarteris Johnston (farmer, Riversdale) had his appeal supported by his father, George Johnston. —Mr Smith, who appeared for both parties, stated that the father was 50 years of age. Th-3 appeal had been adjourned from a previous sitting for a report from the Efficiency Board. —The father stated that his son was 20 years of age. The son did all tho team work. Until a few years ago witness did all the team work. His son was anxious to go, but he did not see how ho coiild do without his son. —To so into camp with tho April draft. Henry "Waiting Howorth, farmer, Te Tipua (Mr Poppelwell) applied for a rehearing of his appeal. Tho applicant stated that he had made arrangements with a man to take over the farm, but a hitch had occurred, and the farm was still on his hands.—Tho Chairman said it was rather peculiar that tho applicant had made arrangements for the disposition of his farm, and that Avhen a certain statement appeared in the newspapers the negotiations had fallen through.—Applicant pointed out that tho negotiations fell through prior to the statement appearing in the newspapers. Ho had no relatives dependent on him.—The Chairman said that it was possible for tho applicant to make arrangements for the disposal of his property. Ho was a young man and had no ono depending on him. The board was prepared to recommend that tho applicant bo granted leave until tho March draft. James Angus Rogefsky, farmer, Edendale (Mr Davey) applied for a rehearing of his appeal on the ground that his brother had developed a serious illness. Medical oertificateß were put in in support of the application. The farm was held by the father and two sons.—Mr Davey said the Regefsky family was ono of the largest

suppliers to the Edendale factory, and supplied a ton of milk per day. Being a dairy farm there was practically no possibility of obtaining labour. —The Chairman said ho thought Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co. should put their shoulders to the wheel an-i come to the applicant's assistance. Another factor in the case was the nature of the brother's trouble. The appeal would be adjourned pending inquiries as to tho applicant's nationality. John Stanley Robertson, farmer, Waikaka (Mr E. R. Bowler), an application for a rehearing. Counsel explained that the application was made by his sister, Mrs Keeley, of Timaru. without the knowledge of the reservist. Mrs Keeley pointed out that the reservist was the only man left on the farm, and that her mother, who was living with the reservist, was in delicate health.—The application was refused, the board having no recommendation to make.

Jr'ercy William M'Donald, farmer. Balfour (Mr Smith) appealed, on the ground of undue hardship. Appellant 'stated that he was. tho only sou; his father had been ill for about six months.—Appellant to go into camp with tho April draft. Aston Ward (tanner, . Tuturau) said ho had four brothers at the front, two of whom had been killed. The appellant was tho last single son residing at home.. A wounded brother had returned home and was improving.—Adjourned till the March sitting of the board. Win. A. Davidson, farmer, Riversdalo (Mr Cochrane). - The appellant ran a dairy farm for his mother, milked 30 cows and had no assistance.—Conditional exemption was granted. John L. Bannerman, dairy farmer, Gore (Mr Cochrane). This was an adojurned case. Appellant milked 20 cows on his aged father's farm. He' had no other help '•&■ single brothers. ,His married brother Junked after two farms already.—. Conditional exemption was granted. John M'Dowell, farmer, East Gore (Mr Smith). Appellant, who had one brother at the front, also did the horse work on the farm. He was willing to go, but it was a question if labour could be got to help his father.—To go into camp W'th tho April draft. Leslie Caird (Wyndham). This was tea adjourned case from tho last sitting of the board. As the appellant stated then he considered he was not liable for service, aa he had been deprived of his civil rights for 10 years by the magistrate at Wyndham.—The Chairman said he had considered an ingenious point raised by Caird and he was satisfied that under section 56 of tho Defence Act, sub-section 2, the appellant had no grounds of objection, and his military service would entitle him to military pay and pensions. The appeal was dismissed. Geo. J. M'Callum, farmer, Balfour (Mr Cochrane). Appellant said he farmed 518 acres of leasehold, and 108 acres of freehold. His only brother enlisted, he had no one to look after his farm. —Conditional exemption was granted. Fred. J. Hutton (B2), Gore, for whom Mr Cochrane appeared, applied and was granted an adjournment for one month. Innes Angus M'Kay, farmer, Riverside, (Mr E. C. Smith). Mrs M'Kay, his aunt, who appealed, said her nephew managed her farm. She had seven children and her husband died two years ago. She could not get labour, but she would try to make arrangements of some kind. Her son, aged 13, managed the team on level ground ploughing .—The further hearing was adjourned for three months., Thos. M. M'Crobic, saddler, Gore (Mr E. C. Smith). Mr Ritchie, his employer, also appealed on the grounds of undue hardship, as he was the Gore branch manager of the business.—Referred to the « Efficienc Board for report. Hugh M. Martin (C2), farmer, YV endonside (Mr Smith). This was an adjourned case for a report from the Efficiency Board. The appellant said his oats were sown, but not the turnips. He had no sole dependants in this country. He had i 960 acres and had got the .'and cheap, as there was no water on it—Further hearing adjourned until the last sitting in March. Joseph Stephen (farmer, Riversdale), did not appear and his case was adjourned till the next sitting of the board. Jas S. Miller (CI), farmer, Waimumu (Mr W. B. Johnston). Tins was a previouslv heard case,, and was adjourned for a report from the Efficiency Board, which was read.—Conditional exemption was

granted. , _.,. ~, ~ Alfred Osborne, farmer, litipua (Mr Poppelwell). The appellant's lather also appealed on the ground of undue hardship. He had a boy of 15 to assist in the ploughinn and harrowing, but that was all ho could get—Conditional exemption was granted. . _ - , , ''.,, Robert Wvlie, farmer. Edendale (Mr Davey) appealed on the ground of unduo hardship. He had two brothers at the front, and as a, consequence he had had to reduce the dairy herd. The. appellant had done the ploughing on three farms.—Conditional exemption was granted. Fred A Collins, woolclasscr. Gore (Mr PoDpelwcll), said he was a returned soldier and was now woolclass.ng up country He had a certificate of discharge, and yet was called up agam-Adjourned till next sitting of the board; further inquiries to e ßobert George Collingham (CI), Mossburn—Robert Charters also appealed on Collingham's behalf on the ground of undue hardship. He had a lot of team work to do. There were 1500 acres and 1800 sheep ' and there were 124 acres to cultivate for turnips. Two of the Charters brothers were at the front, and appellant was the only brother at home.—Conditional exemption was granted Andrew N Telfer, farmer, Brydone (Mr W B Johnston), appealed on the ground of undue hardship. He had a 200-acre dairy farm One brother was in camp, and another was classed as C2. He had no assistance. Conditional exemption was P O'Kane (stable-keeper, Balfour) had his appeal adjourned for three months, in order to enable him to dispose of his b Hugh Callender. Kelso (Mr Bowler).-M* D Robertson (employer) appealed on Calender's behalf. He stated that his farm work was behind, and he could not do without Callender He (Mr Robertson) waa also in bad health. Callender was a married man with no children. His wife waa in a hospital.—Conditional exemption was Gcorg'o Lush, farmer. Balfour (Mr Cochrane) .—Appellant had served for three months in camp, and was recalled owing to the serious illness of his father but was again called up. Ho was the only one on

the farm.—The hearing was adjourned until May. John Vincent and Edward C. Johansen were recommended for financial assistance. James Bums (farmer, Pyramid), who was under orders to go into camp in January, was granted leave to apply for an extension of time till April. . The following appellants had their appeals allowed owing to being wrongly grouped or were married men with families, and were claesed as under:—Robert M. Brown, C; Thomas Glover, F; E. Procter, B; Alex. M*K. M'Donald, B; Robert Murray C; Albeit Walschlcger, B; Robert Marshall, F; Samuel M'Kinell, B. Wm. Carruthers (Heriot) had hi 3 appeal allowed on the ground of being over age. .F. H. Newton (Mr Smith) objected to bear arms, but was willing to do non-com-batant services.—He was recommended for ambulance work.

SITTING AT BALCLUTHA. The Otago Military Service Board sat at Balclutha on the 13th to deal with a fairly lengthy list of appeals. The members present were:—Messrs H. Y. Widdowson, (chairman). A. D. Bell, and E. Kellett. Captain Free was the military representative. , The Rev. S. Currie entered an appeal on behalf of John James Heard (home missioner, Papatowai).—Mr Currie said that the reservist had been a home missionary for 10 years, and at present covered the work of two parishes. In March he would probably have charge of three stations.—The board adjourned the appeal sine die, the chairman stating that he quite understood that tho Presbyterian Church did not appeal except in cases of extreme necessity. James Alexander Pankhurst, an adjourned appeal from Biverton, appealed for exemption on religious grounds. AppeLant stated that he joined the Christadelphians m March, 1916, but had been an adherent of the body for fully two years. Prior to that he was a Presbyterian. He had been married for 16 or 17 months.—The aDpeal was adjourned, to be heard at Rivei'ton. George Hay (Romahapa), who was represented by Mr D. Stewart, appealed on the ground that he was the last man on the farm. —Counsel pointed out that the family —brothers and sisters—had a splendid record in military matters. —Conditional exemption was granted. David Bond (Tahatika) applied for a rehearing of his appeal.—Mr D. Stewart appeared for appellant.—The Chairman said that it was only the commandant who could apply for a rehearing of an appeal.—The board decided to refer the matter to the Efficiency Board, and to grant extended leave until the decision of that board was known.

The appeal of John Magon, on behalf of his son, Karl Magon, was further considered in the light of a report from the Efficiency .Board. —Captain Free said ho would call no evidence, and the board ■granted conditional exemption.—Mr Stewart appeared for the appellant. Messrs Dunn Bros, (wheelwrights) appealed on behalf of Robert Graham Ferguson (manager of their Owaka business). —appeal dismissed, reservist to go into camp in April.

"William E. Craigie (farmer, Ratanui) had an appeal entered on his behalf by his mother, who was represented by Mr R. R. Stewart. The appellant stated that her "husband was in Australia, being- imable to live in New Zealand, and the reservist was the only help she had on the farm. There were also financial obligations to be fulfilled in respect to the property. The young man, who had iust come of age, was the eldest of a family of eight.—Conditional exemption granted, subject to review at any time.

Arthur Henry Ernest Erridge (dairy farmer, Owaka Valley), for whom Mr D. Reid, jun., appeared, appealed on the ground of undue hardship. A written statement of the appellant's position was handed in to the board. —To Captain Free: He had tried to sell his proDerty, but could not do so. Two of his brothers who were in the First Division were serving with the forces. —Conditional exemption granted. Thomas Patrick Fitzgerald (dairy farmer, Owaka "Valley) was represented by Mr Reid," who handed in a quantitv of documentary evidence. —To Captain Free : The only thing ho could do with his property would be to let it as a gi-azing run, and that might not cover the whole "of the outgoings.—Adjourned till the next sitting of, the board, the appellant to see what he can do in tho meantime.

James O'Connell (farmer, Tahakopa) appealed on his own behalf, and there was also an appeal by Dr Truby King (his employer). —Mr R. R. Stewart, who appeared tor both appellants, said Dr King had a farm of I£oo acres at Tahakopa. It was a freehold property, and there were 820 acres in grass and 75 acres in crop. The stock consisted of 20 sheep, 170 cattle, a few horses, and 160 pigs. Seven men were employed.—The reservist gave evidence on ochalf of his personal appeal.—Both appeals were then adjourned till the January sitting of the board, as tho manager of the property (Mr Murphy) had been suddenly taken ill and could not attend.

The adjourned appeal of Wm, Cochrane Smaill (farmer, Kaitangata) was further considered. —Mr R. R Stewart said the position had not changed since the appeal was previously before the board. The appellant's brother, who was a partner with him in tho lease of the- property, was on active service.—Conditional exemption granted. Harold Wm. Hardy (farm labourer), who was represented by Mr R. R. Stewart, appealed on the ground of undue hardship.— Ho stated that the position was tho same as when he appeared < first before the board. He was working his own farm and one for a brother at tho front. The sowing- generally had been delayed by the weather, and ho still had 60 or 70 acres of turnips to put in.—Appellant's father said that if his son were sent away he would havo to sell the stock and let the _ leases fall in to the Government. —Conditional exemption granted.. The adjourned appeal of Thomas Proctor (farmer, Kakapuaka), which had been lodged on tli9 ground of undue hardship, was continued.—Air Stewart said that since :'i" appeal was last before the board tho reservist's only brother had been killed at the front, and he was the only man left on the farm.—Adjourned sine die. Frederick George Parker (farmer, S* : r ling) w as appealed for by his father (Thos. Parker). —Mr R. R. Stewart said the conditions had remained unchanged since the appeal was last heard. Three sons had §on© to the front, and one of theso had een killed and one wounded .—The appollant said ho had two farms of about 700 acres in all, some 16 miles apart There

were still two sons at home—one aged 19 and the other 17,—as well as two daughters. Ho was ugreeablo to let his son go in April—something might turn up before then.—The Chairman said tho young man would be required to go forward in April, at the same time complimenting Mr Parker on his lino family record. George Jackson Dent (farmer, Puerua) appealed on tho ground of undue hardship. His only brother, who was a partner in tho farm, was on active service.—Conditional exemption granted, tho chaiman remarking that the appellant seemed to be doing a great deal more than many others. Robert Watt Brown (a. farrier employed by Mr James Clark, blacksmith, Balclutha) had his appeal further cons:d. -i. Mr R. R. Stewart said the .position was unchanged. The appellant had previously enlisted on three occasions, l*vit had not got away. At present ho was working a great deal of overtime. —After a good deal of consideration the boa-r.d dismissed the appeal, the reservist to go into camp in April. George Finch (dairy farmer, Kaitangata), who was represetned by Mr K, R. Stewart appealed on the ground of undue hardship. Counsel said the appellant had three brothers at the front, and since he was drawn in the ballot one had been killed and one wounded. He had enlisted twice, but was turned down each time. To Captain Free: His father was 65 years of age, and was not fit for hard work on the farm. They milked 30 cows. A married brother was also living in Kaitangata, but he would not have time to look after the two properties. —Conditional exemption granted. The case of William Twaddle (stock agent, Balclutha) was an adjourned appeal.—The appellant paid he had three brothers on active service; and two of them had been wounded. If one of the latter returned from France he would bo prepared to go. To Captain Free: He had said some time ago that he woidd be piepared to go when the members of the Second Division were going into camp, and he was still prepared to do that. —The Chairman said the board sympathised with the appellant's parents, and noted with satisfaction the good family record. In cases of that kind it had a hard duty to perform. The appeal would have to be dismissed, and appellant to go forward in April. Simon Wright (butcher, Balclutha) appealed, as employer, on behalf of his son, Kenneth M'Kenzie Wright, Mr R. R. Stewart, who appeared for the appellant, handed in a written statement', showing that the appellant had a farm as well as a butchery business. —The appeal was dismissed, the reservist to go into camp with the March draft of CI men. Appeals entered by Wm. Carson (manager of the Kaitangata mine) on behalf of tho following miners were dealt with as under:—Arthur Matchett, John M. M'Ewan, Michael Joseph Tansey, and Henry F. Tennent were granted conditional exemption; Thomas Briscoe, adjourned sine die; Adam Cairns, placed in Class D of tho Second Division; David Proctor, adjourned to next sitting to see if a substitute could be procured. The appeal of Thomas M. Cairns was withdrawn, as he was no longer in the employ of the company. Samuel R. Bryan (farmer, Clinton) said he was the last man on a farm of 761 acres, two brothers having gone to the front. —Conditional exemption granted. William James Mitchell (farmer, Wairuna) submitted proof that he had a, family of four children, and was placed in class E of the Second Division.

John Paisley (farmer, Wharctoa), who was represented l by Mr R. R. Stewart, said he had four brothers at the front, and was the last son of military age left on tho farm. —Conditional exemption granted. Alexander Jane (Clinton) appealed on behalf of Stanley Eli Jane (farmer, Moa Flat). He stated that five of his sons had donned khaki. Two had been killed, one wounded, and two were fighting. The' reservist in the present case was necessary to the working of his properties.—The Chairman: Your family has done remarkably well. Conditional exemption will be granted. Daniel Robert Humm (Kaitangata) said he was a farmer, but ho was also a practical coal miner.—To Captain Free: He was quite prepared to go, provided the Finst Division men in the mine were sent; but, being in the Second Division, he did not think ho should go before them.—To the Board: He would be ready to go into camp next June. —Appeal dismissed, tho reservist to go forward with the first draft in May, extended leave to be asked for if absolutely necessary. The appeal of Peter Gordon Clements (Kaitangata) was withdrawn on the application of Mr R. R. Grigor. Tho appeal of James Donaldson (Balclutha) was allowed, tho reservist being placed in Class B of the Second Division. Samuel Houliston M'Kay (Mi R. R. Stewart) said he was a shearer, and was also a qualified freezing hand. He was classed as CI. —Conditional exemption granted. James M'Naughton (printer, Balclutha) had an appeal entered on his the Clutha Leader Company, for which "he was job printing manager.—Mr R. R. Grigor. who appeared, said tho man had no real objection to serving, but ho was required for the carrying on of the business, regarding which he had a certain amount of special knowledge. His employer (Major Pennycook) was on active service, and had left him in charge after training him for the position.—Conditional exemption granted. Alfred John Glen (farmer, Pukepito) appealed for exemption on the ground of undue hardship. Ho had been classed as CI. One of his brothers was in camp and tho other belonged > to the Second Division. His farm comprised 225 acres. He had an uncle a retired farmer, about 50 years of age, living at Milton, but he did not think ho could be induced to take up farming again.—Referred to the Efficiency Board for a report. Allan E. Mitchell (farmer, Clydevale) applied for an exten.von of leavo on account of the ill health of his wife. He handed in a medical certificate. —The matter was deferred for the production of a further medical certificate.

Charles Anderson (slaughterman, Kaitangata), who said he was engaged at tho Burnsido works for the coming season, was granted conditional exemption. Andrew Albert Whitmore M'Neil (farmer, Balclutha) applied for financial assistance. — Tho board decided to make no recommendation.

John Buchanan (fiirmer, Houlpapa) entered an apepal on the ground that ho was in Clas3 C of tho Second Division. —Adjourned till the January sitting

The New Zealand Coal and Oil Company and George Robbs applied tor a rehearing of an appeal on behalf of James Patrick Robbs. —Captain Free said the reservist had loft the district notifying his new address. — Adjourned till the January sitting of the board. Tho appeals of John Miller (Ahurirj Flat), and Patrick M'llroy (Stirling) were formally dismissed, the reservists having been classed as C2.

SITTING AT LAWRENCE. The Otago Military Service Board sat at Lawrence on Friday morning- The members present were Messrs li. Y Widdowson, S.M. (in the chair), E. Kellett, and A. D. Bell. Captain Free was tho military representative. Stewart Fletcher (solicitor, Lawrence) had his appeal adjourned sine- die, as he was within a few months of being 46 years of age, and would not, therefore, be accepted for service abroad. Humphrey Friel (farmer, Waitahuna), who had asked for exemption, was agam before tho board. The evidence showed that he had three brothers at the front, and was the only one left at home on the farm. —Conditional exemption was granted. Tho adjourned case of William D. Homier (farmer, Miller's Flat), for whom Mr Moore appeared, was re-opened.—Conditional exemption was granted, the reservist being the only man left on the farm. David Blair (farmer, Tuapeka Mouth) was recommended for an extension of leave without pay' until tho April draft in order to get in his harvest. Samuel French (farmer, Forsyth) had further consideration given to his appeal. It was shown that the family record was a good one, and that, the appellant was necessary to the working of the farm. —Conditional exemption granted. Further consideration of tho adjourned appeal -of David H. L. Brett (chemist, Lawrence) was deferred for a month, on trie application of Captain Free. Tho adjourned appeal of George Mathoson (sheep farmer, Lawrence) was again before the board.—Mr Adams, who appeared, said there was no change since the case was last before the board, except that tho son at the front had been wounded. Another brother had returned from France, and a third was in camp at present. —Appellant, in reply to Captain Free, said the brother who had returned from the front suffering from shell-shock was not in good health, and it would be difficult for him to replace witness in the management of the property.—The Chairman said the family had done well in the matter of service, and the boar-d would require strong evidence before it would consent to send this man away and leave the returned brother in charge of the property. Determination would be reserved for the production of a medical certificate regarding the health of the latter.

Robert M'Caw (farmer, Waitahuna) had his appeal further considered. He had three brothers who had enlisted, one of whom had been killed at the front, while the othejrs were still fighting. Appellant himself was necessary to the working of the farm.—Conditional exemption was granted. Thomas Kell (farmer, Waitahuna), for whom Mr Moore appeared, was again beforo the board, his appeal having been adjourned to see if arrangements could be made to carry on the property. In reply to the board, he said he did not think his brother Archibald could manage the two properties, as they would be ratller large.—Conditional exemption was granted. Elizabeth Wood mado an application for leave on behalf of George Crawford Welsh, of Beaumont, who is now in camp. —Mr Moore, who appeared for Mrs Wood, said the appellant's property was very high country, and required tho _services of a young man with special knowledge. Only recently a large number of sheep had been lost on this property, and the appellant had found it impossible to obtain a good man. —The Chairman pointed out that the evidence had to bo very strong beforo a man would be taken out of camp. People did not realise what a serious question was involved in making these requests. If a man's training were interfered with it meant that a great deal of trouble was caused. He was glad these sort of cases would in future be dealt with in Wellington. In the present case the board could not see its way to make any recommendation.

David Murdooh (farmer, Waitahuna), who was again before the board, said that if his partner, a returned soldier, got well again he would bo able to look after the property. He also had a brother who had been rejected, but his place was too far away for him to manage both farms. He was a married man. He did not believe that his father had offered to look after tho property of anyone who went to the front. He also had an undo who had managed a small run, and who would bo able to do something of that kind. —The appeal was dismissed, tho reservist to go forward with the April draft. The adjourned appeal of John Walter Crozier (farmer, Mount Stuart) was again beforo the board. The family record of servico was shown to be a good one, all tho appellant's brothers being in khaki. — Conditional exemption was granted.

The appeal of James Smith (farmer, Waitahuna) was further gone into, Mr Fletcher appearing for the appellant. Appellant said ho did not think that suitable arrangements could be made with _ his married brother to manage the farm. —The- appeal was dismissed, the reservist not to bo called up before tho April draft. George William Ellis (draper's assistant, Lawrence) appealed for exemption on tho ground of undue hardship.—Mr Moore, who appeared for the appellant, said ho was the only son of a widowed mother, for whom it would be difficult to mako arrangements. Tho young man was crassecf Cl.—The appeal was dismissed, the reservist to go forward in January. William Henry Campbell (fruit-grower, Dumbarton), for whom Mr A. S. Adams appeared, applied for exemption on the ground of undue hardship. A quantity of written evidence was submitted to tho board, showing that tho appellant was a commercial traveller as well as a fruit-grower.—To the board: He employed permanent labour.— Mr Kellett: You are about the first man we have ever had before us who can get labour.—Conditional exemption was granted.