CALLED UP.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 926, 29 January 1917, Page 5

CALLED UP.

A UNIQUE CASE. i HARDSHIP PLEADED. Before the Military Service Board in Wellington on Friday last Edward Joseph Righton appealed against his being called up in the ballot. Mr M. Myers, who appeared for the appellant (says the "New Zealand Times") said he had no desire to evade service. Appellant had been engaged practically all his life in organising work and would be very glad lo give a considerable amount of his time to the military authorities. He suggested that the appeal might be adjourned until the First Division was exhausted when it could be considered. Mr Righton was the managing director of two companies and was interested in others. He had charge of the interests of (500 shareholders. The two companies mentioned were the New Zealand Picture Supplies Coy. and Ihe E. and E. Coy. It might be said that these companies catered for amusement and Were not necessary, but in lime of stress like this some form of cheap amusement was necessary. Mr Highlon's companies operated in no fewer than 169 towns in New Zealand, and the capital involved in the various companies was over 4:250,000. Mr Righ ion's position could not be filled, as it was a special business. Mr Hayward, who was associated with Mr Righton might be able to undertake part of the work, The latter might be of the greatest possible assistance in organising the man-power of New Zealand. Appellant had two children, bul bolh were over lt'i, so thai he could not claim exemption on that score.

Appellant, giving evidence, corroborated the statements made by MiMyers. He had been managing director of the Picture Supplies, Ltd., since, its inception in April, li)l(i. Before the company was formed the picture shows got their supplies from various exchanges. The company was formed for reasons of economy. If Ihe company ceased to operate tlie picture shows could still obtain supplies. It would he a special hardship to (he shareholders if his services were withdrawn.

Captain Baldwin: Do you think that the interests of people engaged in commercial concerns should he a reason for what on the I'ucc of it is an injustice?— Some people have lo slay at home fo provide the sinews of war.

Then every person engaged in profitable commercial concerns should be kepi here?—No, I don't sav that.

To Mr Myers: The obligations of bis companies ran into thousands of pounds. His companies were heavy taxpayers.

You are not seeking for exemption, but only asking that your case should be adjourned Captain Baldwin: Until the war's over.

Captain Baldwin said that if appellant's claim were granted it would mean that till the men in ihe First Division would he liable to be called on before he was.

The board disallowed the appeal, Captain Baldwin undertaking to secure appellant two months' leave of absence,

Subsequent to the hearing Mr Righton explained .to a pressman that his appeal was based on bis domestic circumstances, he being the father of two children by a previous marriage, who tire over the age that would allow him to claim exemption.