MILITARY SERVICE BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 17938, 1 February 1917, Page 5

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD

SCARCITY OF ENGINEERS,

(Per United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, January 31

Before the Military Appeal Board, Hugh Wilson Hutcheson, mechanical and marine engineer, appealed. It was pointed out that if his services were required he would be of more use at sea than in the trenches. He had since the war began dissolved partnership with a man of German nationality, and had been unable to secure a manager or to sell out. The appeal was dismissed, appellant being granted two months leave of absence.

The Wellington manager of the Union Steam Ship Co. appealed on behalf of several marine engineers. The steamers were fully manned by engineers, but there would be considerable difficulty in filling the vacancies. There were eleven to come and go upon. Three men anxious to avoid the ballot had recently enlisted voluntarily and the Minister had assured the Company they would not be called up till after June 30. This was an indication that the shortage of engineers was realised. Further consideration of the appeals was postponed.

POSITION OF POLICE FORCE.

WELLINGTON, January 31

Before the Military Service Board the Commissioner of Police appeals on behalf of five constables on the ground that it is against the public inteerst to take them into the army. He was instructed by the Acting - Premier and Minister of Justice that many men were resigning and enlisting and it was extremely difficult to secure recruits. The force was considerably short of its full strength. Men were being taken on but not single men. The duties of the police had been increased owing to the operation of the Military Service Act. A}l the cases were adjourned sine die, the men to receive exemption from service in the meantime conditionally on reporting regularly to the commandants of the respective groups.

RELIGIOUS OBJECTORS,

At the sittings of the Board several appeals were entered on behalf of Catholic clergy and members of the Marist Brothers on the ground that they were engaged in teaching, and that their enlistment would entail hardship on the Catholic community, also on behalf of several priests. Decision was reserved.

Ernest Kilby appealed on the ground that he belonged to a sect known as the Brethren, and considered it wrong to become a soldier. He declined to sign the form relating to religious objections and tly; performance of noncombatant duties unless assured he would not have to serve in the medical corps or the army service corps. The appeal was dismissed.

AN AUCKLAND CASE

AUCKLAND, January 31

At the Military Service Board, Albert Edward Cure! pleaded that lie was the owner of a launch plying between Port Albert and Helensville, and that calling him up would cause inconvenience to the settlers. Two brothers had enlisted, and three were going into camp.

The appeal was supported by a petition from the settlers. The case was adjourned sine die on the understanding that it would come up again if one of appellant's brothers returned fit and qualified to take charge of the launch. It was stated that the appeal had been lodged under pressure of the settlers.