APPEAL FOR VAN DRIVER

Southland Times, Issue 24524, 27 August 1941, Page 6

APPEAL FOR VAN DRIVER

COMMENT BY CHAIRMAN OF BOARD “This is one of the weakest appeals that has ever come before the board,” said Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M. (chairman) at a sitting of No. 6 Armed Forces Appeal Board in Invercargill yesterday. The appeal referred to was by Albert Coster, milk vendor, of Invercargill, on behalf of Stuart Mitchell Newton, a van driver. The grounds of the appeal were public interest and undue hardship. There was also an appeal on the same grounds by the reservist’s mother, Roberta Christina Newton, but in this case there was no appearance of the appellant. Mr Coster said that it was very hard to get a good van driver Newton had proved very satisfactory. He handled a large sum of money each month and made very few mistakes. Newton had been employed by him only since last Christmas. Mr Bartholomew: When you took him on you knew he was liable to be called up for service?—Yes. Then what are vour grounds for appealing for him now?—He has turned out better than I had expected Don’t you know that there is a war on?—Yes, I recognize that his duty to his country comes first.. Mr Bartholomew: This is one of the weakest appeals that has ever come before the board. The appellant: I have nothing more to say. Both appeals were dismissed with the condition that reservist was not to be called up before October 31 next.