MILITARY SERVICE BOARD

Otago Witness, Issue 3335, 13 February 1918, Page 19

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD

SITTING AT GORE. A sitting of the Military Service Board *—consisting of Messrs H. Y. Widdowson, S.M. (chairman), E. Kellett, and A. D. Bell i • was hold on the ult. Captain Free was the military representative. William Collins (farmer, Wendonside) said hia brother returned from active service a fortnight ago. He was suffering from injuries. Ho was a partner with his brother in the farm. —Adjourned for three months to see how the returned brother get 3 on. Richard Charles O'Shea, who did not "appear owing to being busy thrashing, informed the board that he was farming at Riversdale. He applied for a. rehearing.— Adjourned till next sitting of the board for tho_ Efficiency Board's report. Conditional exemption was granted in the following cases:—John Black, farmer, Wairuna; Thomas Menzies Mitchell, farmer, Mataura;' Thoma 3 Martin Black, farmer, Waipahi; David M'Lean, farmer, Balfour; William Randolph Webb, farmer, Brydone; Colin Robertson, jun., farmer, Wendonside; Michael O'Rourko, farm assistant, Tuturau; James Campbell, store manager, Waipahi; Albert Edward Knowles, thrashing millowner; George Scott, farmer, Pukerau; Edward Henry Murney, farmer, Tapanui; Walter Alfred Bennet, dairy-farmer, Glenham; Johnston Murdoch, farmer, Ma'taura; Peter Millane, farmer, Otikarama; John Arthur Walker, farmer, Mossburn. The following were instructed to go into camp: —Robert Ramsay Henderson, motordriver," Edendale, April CI draft; Alexander . Benjamin Dickson, farmer, Pomahaka, on April 30; William Walter Logarth, ploughman, with April CI draft; Archibald Stewart, farmer, Wendon, with April 01 draft; Henry Norman Dobbie, farmer, Glenham, with April CI draft; Frederick Joseph Dunbar, bank officer, Wyndham, with April CI draft; Robert Hastie, farm assistant, Mataura, till end of April; James „ Hall Henderson, cheese-maker, Mataura, till June 1; Patrick Kennedy, farm assistant, Balfour, in middle of March. The application of John Henry Brown, farmer, Longridge, was declined, 'the chairman remarking-that when the board said a man should go into camp he must go. The application of James Dennis Duggan, stock-dealer, East Gore) who had been in camp for seven months, arid whose training had cost over £IOO, but now_ wanted to go back to his farm, was dismissed. The appeals of Michael Monaghan, farmer, Riversdale, and his brother Patrick were adjourned 'to allow the appellants to deoide which should go. Edward James Murnell, farm labourer, was ordered to go into camp in April, the chairman adding thai an application, for extension of time would be considered. Three cases were adjourned. SITTING AT GORE. A sitting' of the Otago Military Service Bosrd was held at Gore on the 30th. The board consisted of Messrs H. Y. Widdow-. son, S.M. (chairman), A. D. Bell, and E. Kellett. Captain Free was the military representative. Gordon T. H. Potter (farmer, Greenvale) asked for time till April, in order that the harvest might be gathered. He was the only son of military age. —To go into camp with the April Ci draft. The appeals of John Cantrick (flaxcutter, Mimmau), and Jimere Cantrick (flaxcutter, Mimihau), as being wrongly classed, were allowed. Herbert Coe (farmer, Mataura) was granted conditional .exemption, subject to review at any time. John Henry Ca'tto (farmer, Otikarama) said he had two brothers on active service. Appellant was the only son left on a farm of 640 acres. He had married since the coming into operation of the Military Service Act.—Conditional exemption . was granted. Alfred John Ladbrook (farmer, Charlton) ■ had his case adjourned from last, sitting of the board to see if some arrangement could be come to with some of appellant's brothers taking charge of the farm. —The Chairman said it was extraordinary that ;t 'one of the four brothers would not come home and thus permit the appellant to go. The family had, had their chance, and they had not seen fit to choose what steps should ' be taken to relieve the appellant. The board had now made up its mind to make the arrangements. The appeal would be dismissed, and the appellant would have 'to go to camp in April. Thomas Jones (farm labourer, Waikaka) asked for time to make arrangements for shifting.—To go into camp with the March CI draft. James Guerin (farmer, Te Tipua) was granted conditional exemption. James Howden (farmer, Waikaka Valley) appealed on tho ground of undue hardship. tie had two brothers on active service, one of whom had returned. He was at present under medical treatment. The appellant ' was the only son left on the farm. His father was 65 years of age, and unable to do "any hard work. —The Chairman said it was difficult to tell when the returned brother would be fit to resume his duties on the farm. —Conditional exemption would be granted. John M'Donald (farmer, Redan), whoiiad his appeal supported by his father, said ho had two brothers at the front. The reservist was tho only son left on the farm. Another son was a cheese factory manager. Ho knew of no one who would take over tho farm. —Conditkiaal exemption was granted. Archibald Campbell Sim (farmer, Charlton) appealed on th© ground of undue hardship. There was six sons_ in the family. Four were on active service, and a fifth ■was going into camp shortly.—Conditional exemption was granted. Thomas Driscoll (farmer, Gore) had his appeal supported by hia father. Two sons were at the front, orio of whom had been killed and the other wounded. The reservist -was the only son left on th© farm.— Conditional exemption was granted. Charles R. Weath»rall (high country shepherd, Heriot) was appealed for by Mr Young, station manager fox. Mr R. ActonAdams. Thero were 40,000 sheep on tho property. Ho had previously had eight permanent shepherds, and was now reduced to four, which included the head shepherd, who was not fit to go on high country. In answer to Mr Bell, the appellant stated that of tho four shepherds who had left not ono had gone to the front.—Tho Chairman said that the application originally was.that Weatherall bo allowed to remain until January, which was granted. Tho following month an. application for another month's time was acceded to, and now the appellants wanted Weatherall exempted altogether. There was not suffi-

oieni evidence to show that any change had taken plaoo to warrant this application. The application would bo refused. John Lamb (chaffcutter, Balfour) applied for a re-hearing. He stated that he was supporting his widowed mother in Sootland. His two brothers had been killed in action. —Conditional exemption was granted, tho Chairman explaining that the board always endeavoured to give consideration in cases where two in a family had been killed Robert Blue (fanner, Balfour) said his father died about 12 months ago. Ho had two brothers at th© front, and ho was the only ono left on a farm of 1260 acres. —Conditional exemption was granted. Alexander R. Sim (farmer, Brydone) had hia appeal supported by his father. A statement put in showed that two sons of tho family were at the front, and the reservist was the only on© left to assist tho father in working a dairy farm. The reservist did all the team work. - He was also attending to an absent brother's farm. The father was 66 years of age.—Conditional exemption was granted. Donald Bruce (farmer, Otama), who was classed CI, said he had no one to assist him on tho farm- —Conditional exemption was granted. Gordon Clearwater'Sfarmer, Wendon), who was classed CI, stated that he had 1160 acres leased from, the Crown, 250 acres of which was under cultivation for crop and other purposes. He had a partner (John Templeton), a brother-in-law. He had two brothers at the front. He wanted only time. He thought his father would be able To manage if they had tho harvest in.—To go into camp with th© May CI draft. Lawrence Patrick Healey (farmer, Gore), who was classed CI, had his appeal supported by his father. —A statement put in showed that the father was 51 years of- age and suffered from rheumatism. He had two sons serving in France, one of whom had been wounded. He had a son, aged 17 ysars, who assisted on th© farm. His wife was practically an invalid. A daughter assisted with the dairying.—Referred to the Efficiency Board for report. David Sheddan (farmer, Pomahaka) said he was single, and was working a farm unassisted. Three brothers were in France, one of whom had returned and was now in Wellington.—Conditional exemption was granted, and tho appellant was complimented on the record of his brothers. David Brown (farm assistant, Crookston) asked for a further extension of time on account of his employers' illness. There were three of the Fleming brothers, his employers, two of whom were able to' do very little. One had been very ill. He wanted to be left till th© harvest was in.— Tho chairman asked th© military representative if he had anything to say.—Captain Free said it had always been considered that national matters were pre-eminent, but time had been granted on matters of personal convenience, so that his mouth was really stopped. —The chairman said he could not allow the remarks of th© military representative to pass without comment. When a man required time, and if in, the opinion of the board it was absolutely necessary the board "was prepared to grant it. On the other hand, where the ground of appeal was changed, unless there Were exceptional circumstances, it could not be entertained. There were no exceptional circumstances in the present case. The board had determined to set its faoe against these continual appli cations. It must put a stop to this sort of thing. The application would be refused. William Mortimer (farmer, Waipounamu) had hfe appeal supported by his father, who applied for an extension of time. He was working 320 acres of land.- He wanted time to get the harvest in.—Mr Kellett pointed out that the practice had grown up of applying for extensions of time. A man was .granted time to get in his crop, then he got additional time to get his shearing over, and now he wanted time to get over the harvest. Then he supposed he would make further application to get in the crop again. —The chairman said the board did not propose to make fish of one and flesh of another. The application would be refused. # James Patrick Robb (coat miner, Waikaka) had his appeal supported by his father, who stated that he had ono son killed in France. The present reservist supported his parents.—Adjourned sine die. Edgar Erskine Fraser (farmer, Pukerau) stated that one of his brothers had returned from the front invalided and was still unable to do anything. Another brother was still in the firing line.—Conditional exemption was granted, the appellant to report if the brother became sufficiently well to be .able to take appellant's place. .Alexander Stewart (farmer, Balfour) said his only brother was killed last December. The appellant was the only son left to look after his father's farm. —Conditional exemption was granted. William George M'Leod (farmer, Brydone), who was classed CI, stated that he had three married brothers, and he had not been able to arrange with any of them to look after his father's place. One was working at the freezing works, earning 13s per day, and another was working at a milk factory. He had one brother killed in action. They milked 30 cows for the factory. —Referred to the Efficiency Board for report. / Dominic O'Connor (farm assistant, Riversdale), who was classed CI, applied, through his employer, for leave to assist with the harvest. In reply to the chairman, O'Conner said that when he applied for time in October it was to earn a shearing cheque. He did only five weeks' shearing. He had. been assisting with gras3 harvest since then. —The application was refused.—Mr Kellett asked Captain Free when the appellant would go into camp.—Captain Free replied that ho could not go before tho February draft. —Mr Kellett (firmly): " Couldn't you send him right away?"— Captain Free: "No, but I would like to." Vio. Alexander Vertman (cook-baker, Heriot) said he was a naturalised Finn, and appealed on the ground that he was not a reservist. Ho was born in Finland, and his father was a Finn. He arrived m the dominion three years ago.—Appeal allowed. Jeremiah Gorman (farmer, Waipahi) produced documentary evidence in support of his contention that he was baptised in May, 1872. —Adjourned for medical examination. ' John Toomoy (dairy farm labourer, Wyndham) deposed that his father was 63 years of age, and would hirve to give up the farm if appellant went into camp.—The Chairman said tho Efficiency Board reported that appellant's father was in a very fair way, and able to pay for labour.— Captain Free said the appellant had been granted five months in which to do something, and had made no attempt to get labour. —Appellant stated that they were milking 22 cows.—To go into camp on April 30. i Andrew Gibson (farmer, Athol) produced

certificates of his marriage, also the birth of his son, who was at the front. His eon was 21 years of age, and the appellant's age was 45 years.—Appeal allowed. John C. Garthwaito (high country shepherd, Athol), who was classed 01, said he had enlisted in April, 1916, and was rejected. He had since married. Hie employers also appealed on his behalf. Certificates were put in, showing that Garthwaito mustered for four different stations, and that he was employed practically all the year round. —Mr Stephens (Glenquoich Station) stated that he considered the reservists services essential. Some 13 shepherds had left the Athol district to go on active service.—Conditional exemption' was granted. Donald Alexander M'Donald (high country shepherd, Tapanui) had his appeal supported by his father, who said his son did all the shepherding and mustering. The property consisted of, 6000 acres, some of which was 4000 feet high. It was very rough, and had much bush on it. He had two sons at the front, one of whom had been wounded. He had a younger son, aged 19 years, in the Telegraph Department. —Conditional exemption was; granted. John Rae (stallion owner and farm assistant, Kelso) said that if he went into camp he would have to sell his horse. —Application dismissed. William Donald Roebuck (motor mechanic) had his appeal supported by his employers (Todd Bros., Heriot). —The reservist stated that he was medically unfit, and had worked only five months out of the last 12.—Appellant's counsel suggested that the reservist should be re-examined.—Adjourned for medical re-examination. Gavin Crawford (farmer, Kaiwera) said he was looking after his father's farm. The latter was too old to oarry on alone. Appellant was the only son, and did all the work on the farm, with the exception of harvesting and shearing.—Conditional exemption was granted. • David Henderson Grieve (farmer, Brydone) had his appeal supported by hia father. There were two sons in the family, one of whom had been kilL'd. The father was too old to work. The mother died recently.—, Adjourned sine die. Joseph Stephens (fa.rmer. Riversdale) appealed on the ground that he was .wrongly classified. —Appellant, who adopted an arrogant attitude, was asked if h© had brought any certificates with him in support of his appeal, and in reply to the chairman he stated that he did not think it was worth while going to that trouble. He further stated that he was prepared to give evidence on oath, but was not disposed to go any further. —The Chairman said the rule was that some corroboration was required in such cases. If appellant did not have certificates, corroborative evidence would be necessary.—Appellant: "The truth of the matter is, I take verv little notice of the Military Service Act."—Mr Bell: "When you come here you should at all events show some respect for the chairman."—The Chairman : "He should not only show respect to the chairman and the board, b\vt to the Act as well."—Appellant stated that ho was married and-had one child. The Chairman: "You say you have brought no corroborative evidence?" —Appellant: "That is so."— The Chairman (promptly) i "The appeal is dismissed." ■• John Eades (farmer, Eden dale) had his appeal supported by his father, who stated that he was the proprietor of 141 acres of freehold, valued at £3O per acre. He milked 40 cows. Appellant did most of the work on the farm. The father stated that the reservist was the only single tional exemption was granted. Thos. Michael O'Connor (farmer, Riversdale), who had previously been granted leave by arrangement until January, now applied for an extension until the March draft. — The Chairman pointed out that appellant would not now require to go into camp until February, The application would be refused.

John Murray (farmer, Riversdale) asked for extended leave until May. A brother had been in camp and had been discharged. Ho was still in bad health, and was unable to manage the farm.—Declined. John Curry (saddler, Heriot) said hs not only had a wife to 'support, but was the guardian of six children, of whom he was the solo support. His father died recently.— Captain Free said lig had the strongest reason for believing that appellant was dodging his medical examination. —Appellant gave an explanation, relating to his having failed to be examined. A brother was ordered into the CI camp, but the doctor would not allow him to go. He denied that this brother had been wtih appellant at Miller's Flat since January 12. —Captain Free asked the board to make a note of the appellant's denial.—The appellant said this brother bad not contributed anything to the children's support. He earned up to £l2 per week, and averaged from £7 to £B. He estimated that it cost him from £l2 to £ls per month to support: those dependent on him.—The appellant's step-mother corroborated the evidence, and stated that she had the widow's pension.—Captain Free said that if the appellant went into camp his wife would have an allotment and allowance amounting to over £8 per month, which, together with the widow's pension (£6 10s), made £ls per month.—Adjourned for a month, the appellant to produce books and a statement showing nia outgoings. George Mitchell (dairy farmer, Mataura) stated that ho was the only man on the. farm. He milked from 25 to 30 cows, and was assisted by his mother.—Conditional exemption was granted. Wallace Finlay (carpenter, Balfour), who was ordered to go into camp with the CI draft in February, wanted an extension of time to permit him to assist his father on his farm. —Application refused, John Cooney (farmer, Longridge) had hi.? appeal supported by his mother, farming 1200 lucres. His brother had returned invalided from the front, and was not yet able to take the appellant's place, but lie would do so when he was able.—Adjourned for a month. In tho case of John Butler (farmer, Balfour), an application for a rehearing was made by the Defence Department.—Captain Free said this man had had hie? appeal allowed on the ground that ho belonged to the Second Division, whereas he was not married until August 25, 1915. Captain Free meduced certificates in support of his statement. —Ihe appellant denied that he had done anything improper. He had two brothers at the front. His father farmed 2000 acres, and the reservist 400 acres.— Conditional exemption was granted. John Needham Matthews (Gore) was wronglv classified, and had his appeal allowed, being transferred to B class. Thos Muir Needham (saddler, Gore) had his appeal supported by Thomas Ritchie

(his employer) and was granted conditional exemption. Andrew Dickson (farmer, Freshford) appealed for James Torrance Gilmour. Ho stated that ho had a herd of 60 dairy cows, and the reservist was the only help he had. He did not purpose appealing for the reservist, but another man Ho only asked for Gilmour's services till the end of th 6 milking season.—The application was granted, the appellant to go into camp on April 30. Clarence Edgar Grass had his appeal supported by Mrs Smith (farmer, Brydone), who stated that the reservist managed her farm. He was her son-in-law. Dp till a fortnight, ago he was shearing in Canterbury. The appellant enlisted In February, 1916,.and was olassed A, but was never called up. He was married in June, 1916, ana was caught in the ballot in February, 1917. Ho appealed on the ground that ho was engaged In an essential industryshearing—and was then classed C2.- The Chairman said a statement put in by Mrs Smith showed that she and her daughter were milking 28 cows, which number would shortly bo increased to 44. Her two I'ons were on active service, and one had died from wounds. She had engaged aCI man. —Conditional exemption would be granted. In tho case of William Hamlyn (farmer, Brydone), an application was made by two sisters to have their brother brought back from the trenches. There wero three brothers and two sisters. Two 'of the brothers were on active service, and one brother died quite recently in the Gore Hospital. It was necessary to have this brother back in order to carry on the farm. They' were milking 26 cows. They had a young man aged 19 years assisting.—Tho Chairman said this was a case where the powers of the district trustees should be invoked m the direction of getting someone to look after the place. If a recommendation were made for tho release of a_ soldier the board would have to show that" all efforts to carry on had been exhausted. This had not been done. —Tho application was deolined. John Beattie, who was wrongly classed, had his appeal allowed, and his name was transferred to 'the C class. William Buchanan's appeal similarly disposed of, and his name was transferred to the B class. John George Grey (farmer, Balfour), who is carrying* on a farm of 233 acres unassisted, was granted conditional exemption. William Cameron (farmer, Mataura), who was wrongly classed, had x his appeal allowed, and was transferred to the O class. John Andrew Paterson (Gore) was transferred to the B class. Fred John Deans (Kaiwera) was transferred to tho D class.

James Samuel M'Noe (farm manager, Otama), who said he had three brothers on active service, had his appeal supported by hio employer (R L. Byai;s), who etated that MNoa managed a property of 400 acres. —Adjourned until the B class is called up. Andrew Thomson (Redan) said ho managed a flaxmill, where 16 men were employed. The output was one ton of fibre per day. He asked for time. Hia employers also appealed, and asked for time till April B.—Request granted. James H. Wilkea, who had been classed 01, appealed on the ground of undue hardship. A brother died in camp.- The appellant was the eldest surviving son, and he assisted in keeping the nome. —Ad-, journed sine die. David Adam Nichol (Tuturau) appealed on the ground of undue hardship, as he was the last man on the farm.—The* Efficiency Board reported that the appellant was essential for working *his mother's farm. He had to look after another farm.—Conditional exemption was granted. W. Richardson' (farm labourer, Gore) was appealed for by A. Aitken (farmer, Gore). The reservist was the only man on the farm. He asked for six months' extension of leave. An only «son was in hospital in England.—Time extended till the May draft. , Samuel H. Herron (Greenvale) was the only man on his mother's farm of 640 acres and ho asked for an extension of time' till the end of May. One brother was in France, and one was an invalid. —To go into camp on April 30. Arthur Tayles (Longridge) appealed on the ground of undue hardship. He had a farm, and could not get anyone to look after it. If he had assistance from the Government to pay the charges on his farm while he was away he thought it would meet the case.—To go into camp with the CI draft in May. Gordon A. Sheed (farmer, Mandeville) asked for an extension of-time for a month. —Request granted. Patrick Holland (farmer, Gore) was appealed for by his father (J. Holland).—Mr Poppelwell said an application had been made for a medical re-examination. He also wished his assistance for the harvest. The appellant had 50 acres of wheat ano 70 acres of oats. —The application was dismissed. In the case of Wm. Gitoer (wool scourer. Gore), R. and F. Wallig (employers) appealed on the ground that the fellmongery was an essential industry—The Chairman said the principal fellmongenes were com mandeered bv the Government for Government wool. The appellant was working the scouring machine, and was a pelt grader.— F. Wallis, jun., gave evidence in support. —Adjourned for a month. Wm. D Greenwood (postal officer) asked for one month's extension of time. He partially assisted! his mother.—To go with the March CI draft. Robert Murphy (farm labourer) asked for an extension of time for three months. Out of 10 brothers eight were* at the front.To. go into camp with the end of April draft. SITTING AT PALMERSTON. The Otago Military Service Board sat at Palmerston on the 7th; present—Messrs H. Y Widdowson, S.M. (chairman), A. D. Bell, and E. Kellett. Captain Free was the 'military representative. In the case of David Burgess (farmer, Glenpark), a rehearing was applied for.—Mr Hjorring appeared for the appellant. Giving evidence, appellant said he and his brother had two farms in partnership—l6B4 acres at Glenpark and 220 acres at Waimotu. Ho had no men employed. His brother man a red the Waimotu farm. Ihey bad been trying to sell the Waimotu land. His brother was married. 45 years of age. and had four children. Witnesa was 42 years of age. and single.—To Captain Free:. If ho could sell the Waimotu place his brother would come to the Pahnerston farm. Tf a manager -,vero nut on one of the farms it would bo difficult for his brother to supervise the two places. It would be three years in August since they bought the Pal■rnerston property. The other farm they

had had all their lives. He had a halfbrother at Waimotu, on a farm of 82 aoro» of his c\vn, and another half-brother at Kakanui, who took on shearing and harvesting. The half-brother who waa working for other peopte might look after one of the places.— Captain Free: At present we have to send away married men, and you are a single man. If you have to go, how does your . harvest stand?—We have just finished the cutting, and it will be in stack in two or three weeks, given reasonable weather.— To tho Chairman : There was accommodation for a married couple on tho Waimotu ; farm. —To Mr Hjorringi Pie would rather sell than put either of his half-brothers on one of tho farms. Ho had sold a portion of the Waimotu property, and the remainder of it was still on the market. —To Captain Free i They wanted to got rid of tho farm in any case, as tho Palnuerston property required two men to work it. —In l'eply co the chairman, Captain Free said there were drafts going into camp on March 12 and April ?.—The "board decided that tho appellant should go into camp with thai April 01 draft. An application for a rehearing was also, mado by tho defence authorities in tho case of Wm Isbister farmer, Dunback).—Mr Arkle said the appellant had two brothers at the war. The farm wae. heavily encumbered, and it was impossible for the mother, who was a widow, to carry on If the boy went away.—The appellant said he could nob get anyone to take his place. There were 90 acres of wheat and oats and 120 acres'of turnips and rape. They had 560 i sheep, 18 cattle, and 19 horses. His ploughman had left. He had offered the man JJ3 a weeic to stay. He got another ploughman, but he would not sjtop. —The" board* decided thai, under the circumstances, the appellant should be lert, and conditional exemption would bo granted, subject to review at any time. William John Alexander M'Kenney (farmer, Palmerston) Baid that since hi* caso was before the board three month* ago ho had endeavoured to "sell his farm' of 73 acres. It had not been gold, but was . still in tho hands of agents. He acquired* the farm in June, 1916, and he was married . in December, 1915. One brother was at the front. His wife had three brothers, two being married with big families. The single brother had been turned down, and managed his mother's property. —A report from the Efficiency Board showed that a case of this kind was difficult.—ln reply to Captain Free, appellant said he would like to sell his farm to let him get away .-7 , The Chairman said that as the appellant' was a First Division man tho case would be adjourned for three months to give him an opportunity to soil out if a fair offer was made. Samuel Hagan (farmer, Flag Swamp) appealed on tho ground of hardship. Ho had a eingle brother, in Oamaru, doing labouring work on a farm. This brother was over military age. He did not think his' brother would come and look after the farm. He was not too strong, and could not do the work. ♦ Appellant was marriedi and his brother-in-law assisted him at present. —To Captain Free: He had 20 acres wheat, 28 acres oats, 18 acres turnips, and 18 acres, rape. His brother had been doing farm work all his life. The farm. belonged . to his father, to whom he paid rent.—Tho. case was adjourned to the next sitting to allow the appellant to talk- the position over with his brother. Edward Pirie (farmer, PalmorstonJ, for whom Mr Arkle appeared, 6aid ho had a leased farm, which nad 23 year* to run. a Ho was married in 1912, and had no family. He was 42 years of age. He had 30 acres of oats and other crops, also 600 sheep and 400 lambs. He worked the farm with his brother, who was single, _45 years of age, and/classed G2. They were both fully emEloyed on tho farm. He had two other rothers —one at the front am! one, who was over age, on a farm at Gimmerburn.— To Captain Free: It might be possible to get labour for tho team -work. So far, they had not tried to get labour. There were . SCO acres and close on ICCO sheep, but he did not think it would pay a man's wages if ho went away.—Mr Kellett pointed out that the man was CI and well up in years. —Captain Free said if he was not fit ha would come out of camp.—Tho board decided that the man should remain. The circumstances were such that it would create a difficulty if he- were taken. John Skinner (farmer, Hillgrove) appealed on tho ground that he produced wool, grain, and mutton. He had 1523 acres of freehold and 40 acres of leasehold. At present he was working by himself. He employed casual labour. —To Captain Frees He was married seven years ago. He would start his teams in a month. He had'