MILITARY APPEALS.

Waipa Post, Volume XII, Issue 663, 27 July 1917, Page 3

MILITARY APPEALS.

BOARD SITS AT TE AWAMUTU.

LOCAL APPEALS HEARD. WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1917. The second Auckland Military Service Board resumed its sittings at Te Awamutu on Wednesday. The board consisted of Messrs F. Hockly (acting chairman) A. Rosser and F. Duthie. Captain Rogers represented the military authorities and Mr W. IL Leece was the secretary to the board. Home service. The following appeals were withdrawn the appellants having been classed by the Medical Board as fit for home service only: W. Whitton, farmer of Mangapiko, M. Parkinson, farmer of Otorohanga, M. C. Anderson, bushman of Otorohanga, B. Nichols farmer of Te Kuiti. FINANCIAL AID GRANTED. The decision of the board was given in the appeal heard last month, of R. E. Lankey. This appellant had represented his case for financial assistance and the Board had obtained for him the desired relief. On this account the appeal was dismissed and leave granted until the next reinforcement goes into camp on August 23rd. DIFFICULTIES REMOVED. P. McLea of Te Kuiti did not appear in support of his appeal which had been adjourned from time to time. The military representative explained that information had come to hand that this appellant had disposed of his farm. The appeal was therefore dismissed, the appellant to proceed into camp with the next reinforcements on August 23rd. NEGOTIATIONS PROCEEDING.

In the appeal of J. C. Petersen of Maihiihi, Mr. Mostyn Jones reported the negotiations which were in progress at present with the Trustees Board for the care of the farm, and which were almost completed. In view of the circumstances an adjournment •was granted until the next sitting of the Board on the understanding that appellant report immediately so that he could proceed to camp on August 23rd. THE NEIGHBOURS TO HELP. The adjourned appeal of H. Capwcll of Kaipaki was heard. Appellant at the last sitting had explained that he was involved in a legal action arising through his attempt to dispose) of his farm and the decision of the court had left him in possession of the property. He had arranged with neighbours to supervise the farm for him, but it was first necessary that he put down certain areas in permanent pasture. The road frontages would also have to be cleared of noxious weeds. The military representative pointed out that the appeal had been before the Board since January, and it certainly seemed that the appellant should now be ready to go forward with an early draft. In view of the fact that the appeal had been standing for so long, and as there should already have been sufficient opportunity to do the desired work, the appeal was dismissed, the appellant to proceed to camp on August 23rd. FOR THE PARENTS’ SAKE. J. P. Kilmartin of Pio Pio, whose appeal was adjourned from the last sitting, was recalled. He gave a resume of the work lie had undertaken Works no.w in progress included ploughing and the building of a milking shed and he thought it would take him three months to finish up. He had not made any arrangements for giving assistance to his parents. To the military representative lie said he had only been in Pio Pio li days, he certainly had not been in town any more than this. The chairman stated that, on the

grounds of the public interest for maintaining production the appeal had little to commend it, but on the grounds of hardship to aged parents, the board was prepared to 4 grant a sinedie exemption. In this connection it was necessary for the appellant to ( remember that he was given leavAsolely because of the need for him to carry on and assist his parents but he had to remember that he would have to stick closely to his work. The board would be regularly and reliably advised of his conduct and if it happened that lie did not apply himself reasonably closely to the work of the farm he could expect to be hurried away to camp. A FURTHER ADJOURNMENT. The appeal of W. McDonald of I’io Pio which had been adjourned in May for four months was further adjourned for hearing at the September sittings. PREVIOUSLY REJECTED. W. Webby of Pio Pio appealed for exemption on the grounds that, being a dairy farmer, his calling up would be contrary to the public interest. Some time 4cfore the war he was in partnership with a brother who had enlisted and he carried on the farm until it was sold. lie enlisted and was disappointed, after sold the farm, on being rejected and he thereupon purchased another farm of 170 acres so as to earn a livelihood. He had also married. His brother was still at the front and .his farm was not sufiiciently productive to enable him to employ a manager and, if left uneared for, would very soon go back to its virgin state. After hearing particulars of appellants financial responsibilities the 5 board granted a sine die adjournment in view of the fact that he had enlisted and had only involved himself in the industry after having been rejected. It was explained that this appeal would be subject to re-hearing when the Second Division is railed UPCONTROLLING AN ESTATE. L. F. Leech, farmer of Awakino, said his calling up would be the cause of undue hardship as owing to the death - of two brothers, who had been interested in the property, he had a clear duty to watch the interests of thcii widows. He said the property con-

, sisted of 3200 acres and it had been • Jlin possession of the family for 12 ♦years. He did not desire to evade service, and, just at the time of his second brothers death, was about to enlist, having , adjusted his affairs accordingly- He was now left with a double duty to perform—the duty to serve with the forces and the duty to do his best in the interests of the widOjWS and families. Since the outbreak pf war. he iiad married. One brother is qvqr military age, and appellant did npt consider it would ae possible for him to take over this farm. ,

The appeal was allowed, a sine die adjournment being gratified on the usual conditions.

AN ESSENTIAL WORKER

Mr S. Harrison appealed on behalf of S. H. Lett of Awakino, this case having been adjourned since January. By letter the appellant stated that consistent but unsuccessful efforts had been made to dispose of or arrange for the care of the farm and the conditions were not improved since the last hearing. Indeed the only man on the property had been called up in the last ballot. He detailed the difficulties of carrying on the work, particularly at the present time. Mr Harrison said this appellant is an exceedingly useful man and can apply himself to any form of farm and station work. The property :s situated in the Mokau district, and the bidibidi was a constant trouble and it was essential that the wool be got away early in the season and at the present time labour shortage was a great difficulty. The year previous when there were six men on the place the wool had realised over one shilling per lb, last year it brought only sd. The appeal v.as granted, a she die ad.iournuio it being allowed m: :' ;C usual conditions as the appellant is engaged in an essential industry. APPEAL DISMISSED. N. H. Fraei, farmer, of Kopaki, appealed for time in order to enable him to adjust his financial atfaiis. He had been in partnership conducting a 450 acre farm for four years, and now milked 27 cows and carted the cream from suppliers situated along the road. In appealing he desired a sufficient extension to enable him to complete ploughing and fencing work in progress and to adjust finances. He estimated that this would take three months.

To the military representative he said he did not believe in his or his partner’s wife working about the farm. His partner could not do the fencing by himself. It had not been possible to do the work earlier, nor was it possible for appellant’s father to supervise this farm, though he had never attempted to arrange- this. The partner could not carry on if left unaided, particularly in view of the state of finances.

To the chairman he said lie was willing to abandon the grounds of appeal which, referred to finances, whereupon the Board announced its decision, in view of the fact that the work is not of an urgent character and as a partner remains on the farm, to dismiss the appeal, appellant to proceed to camp on August 23rd. HELPING THE' SETTLERS. H. J. Gaskill, of Ngahinapouri, appealed that, being in charge of a threshing plant, bis calling up would result in hardship. He bad disposed of his farm, but was needed in the district to complete the handling of crops. Three of his brothers were already at the front, and had been engaged in the industry for seven years. His, brothers left in New Zealand were all under military age, ranging up to 19 years. In the district were still remaining 100 tons to be chaffed ; there were 60 tons at Whatawhata and 150 tons at Tarnahere. His was the only plant immediately available ag other machines were practically stopped for want of labour. He had enlisted a year ago, and was rejected, and was now willing to go to the front. His appeal for exemption was really made in deference to the wishes of the settlers in the district. It would take two months to finish the work.

T. Watson said that six years ago the settlers agreed to pool their work with the appellant and his brothers, thus obviating the necessity of each settler purchasing machinery independently and this arrangement had proved very satisfactory. This year the settlers were arranging to sow wheat, hut they were depending on this appellant to assist them in the harvesting.

The chairman commented on the family record which was very creditable and said the desire was to meet the military demands without causing hardship to the district. He offered the suggestion that it may be possible lor the settlers to take over the plant and run it themselves. Appellant was recalled and questioned as to the nature of the work and the prospect of the settlers taking it over.

The appeal was allowed, a sffne die adjournment being granted.

EXTENSION GRANTED.

M. Martin, a farmer of Kihikilii said lie was engaged in the sole management of an estate of 2900 acres and desired an extension in order to leave the place in proper condition by completing 80 chains of fencing. Ilis two brothers arc already at the front and iiis brother (Dr. Martin) had made the supreme sacrifice. He asked for two months’ extension, which was granted, he to proceed to camp on September 20th. ONE MONTH’S ADJOURNMENT. E. E. Stace of Kawa said he is farming 305 acres, having taken up the land over 4 years ago. IJe would be milking one dozen cows next season, but was engaged in mixed farming. About 120 acres were ready for the plough. He supported his widowed mother who resided with him, lie being the only son. Two sisters arc married. He had striven to sell or lease the place and had offered it to a neighbour on lease if he would pay bare interest on the money invested. Tim chairman said exemption could not be granted in the public interest as very few stock are carried, but it was not desired to cause undue personal hardship. The appeal was adjourned for one month to allow appellant to complete arangeruenfs. QUESTION OF AGE..

A. Waffs, farmer pf Otorolianga, appealed that he is over tlm age requiring him to render military service. He had not endeavoured to obtain his birth certificate and did not intend to do so.

The board explained that it rested with the appellant to supply proof in support of his statements, but appellant took up the stand that if the proof was desired the authorities could obtain it themselves. He refused to recognise the responsibility on him to obtain a certificate.

His appeal had already been adjourned for proof of age, and, in view of his conduct, was summarily dismissed, leaving him to be examined by tlie Medical Board, and if accepted to proceed immediately to caufp,. I )A I HYING ENTERPRISE. T, E. Kenpaly, farmer of Oliaupo, sa.'.l 1 ,e is engaged in dairying on a (Arm of 2»r. acres. He had purchased the piojcrty just after flip war had started, being then below the military age. He is milking a herd of 98 cows

and there are 30 calves on the place. Only one man is employed besides himself in the work of tlije farm.. Appellant’s only brother left with the Main Body and had re-enlisted with the 27>th roinforcementsi. It would not bo possible for any one of his three sisters or their husbands, to take over the work of the farm. A sine die adjournment was granted on the usual conditions. APPEAL WITHDRAWN.

By consent, the appeal of F. O’Hara, commercial traveller of Te Awamutu was withdrawn, lie to proceed to camp on August 23rd as arranged. APPEAL GRANTED, s. W. McMillan, cabinetmaker, a member of the firm of Clark and McMillan of Te Awamutu appealed for an extension to enable him to adjust business arrangements. He explained the nature of the business, he being in charge of the factory, his partner controlling the shop and outside work. The business had been established four years. It was desired to secure an extension of time to enable him to complete orders in hand the intention being, if a suitable capable man could not be secured to carry on the work in the factory, to curtail manufacturing. The hands employed included an upholsterer, an improver at the cabinet-making, and a boy. As an alternative it was desired to sell the business and immediately he had been accepted by the Medical Beard (be business had been advertised in all the metropolitan papers, but without result. If the business could be sold or suitably arranged he would gladly report immediately for camp. An extension was granted as desired until September 20th.

THURSDAY, JULY 2<itli, 1917.

NATIVES EXEMPTED,

Two natives, Mapro, of Mangapeehi, and Panui of Kawhia were exempted in accordance with the regulations applying to natives. APP EALS WITH DRAWN. J. E. Duxficld of Matamata applied for extension of leave, he having ap-. pealed when due to leave for camp. He now decided to withdraw bis appeal and this was approved. The appeal of the “Waipa. Post company on behalf of D. Thompson, linotype operator, was withdrawn, it being stated that another operator had been secured immediately after tlic appeal was lodged, and appellant had therefore proceeded to camp on the due date. & ADJOURNED APPEALS. The appeals of It. W. J. Chestnut and H. J. Lodge, both of Te Kuiti, were adjourned until the August sitting of the Board, they having been declared temporarily unfit by the Medical Board SETTLERS APPEAL The settlers of the Mangahoe district, by petition, appealed on behalf of P. McLea who was called in the first ballot and who had already an extension granted him by the Board. Mr G. P. Finlay appeared in support of the appeal, and the circumstances were that appellant had been in camp and had completed his training in New Zealand. Just as he was about to sail the petition was lodged, the settlers submitting that it would cause much hardship during the coming shearing season if tills appellant were taken, he being the only man in the district possessing a reliable knowledge of the shearing machinery. A further extension was asked for until after the shearing season in consequence.

Evidence in. support of the appeal and relating to the nature and extent of the work was given by R. Were. A. Goldfinch, and R. Retch. The chairman suggested that it would appear impossible that a district, peopled by intelligent men who had used machines for three or four seasons, would now bo left solely dependent upon one man to remedy mechanical troubles.

To the military representative, Mr Retch said it would be very convenient to have the appellant in the district this season, though he would not say his presence was essential. R. Me Lay, the appellant, gave evidence as to the work ho had done as a mechanical expert in the shearing sheds and could not suggest any other resident to attend to these machines. The settlers had petitioned tile department without Ills knowledge or consent; lie did not desire to shirk his duty either to the military or (he settlers though he thought there would be difficulty if an expert were not available in cases of emergency The chairman announced that the Board was unanimously of the opinion that the settlers had not taken sufficient stops to ascertain whether others shearers could be obtained, and was therefore not prepared to recommend a further extension of leave. A CHANGE OF PLANE.

Geo. Tyrer, for whom Mr Finlay appeared; of Kopaki, said he volunteered for service and was due to proceed to camp on July 2Gth. Before enlisting lie had arranged with a neighbour to take over the care of his farm of 531 acres, bua ill-health necessitated a change of plans. He had planned for his brother, who is inexperienced, to take over the farm as soon as possibly.—in September, and he asked for leave until that month. The neighbours state of health made if impossible for him to act as originally arranged and lie was hoping his brother would be able to manage.

The militfiry representative raised no objection and it was decided to recommend leave until September 2fith, CARE DR THREE FARMS. A L Dinioml (Mr Finlay) said one brother is in France arid another brother is about to go mlo camp, leaving him with thc< care of farms at Waitomo. aggregating 1150 acres. He had enlisted some lime ago. Ig.-iov his second brother joined, t,hy, I.trees, hut. as the attesting ‘pifieer was not available on (lie stipulated dates he bad not ..attested and was called in the lialVbt some time latter. There was no chance of getting men to take over these farms, as a matter of fact half of the places were standing uncared for while tlie owners are away at the war.

As appellant is the only member of tlie family able to manage these farms, and as two brothers are already serving, a sine die exemption was granted on the usual conditions. PREVIOUSLY REJECTED.

R. A. VV. Hyde of To Ktiil.i (Mr Filllay ( said that in partnership with his father and uncle lie owned a farm of YOU acres, lie had enlisted in the early days of the war, and on being

assured that he would not come up to the medical requirements, had married, there now being one child. When he enlisted the place was only partially improved, and he was prepared to close the place up until after (the war. He had an offer from a Second Division man to supervise his farm, and was quite willing to go into camp if this supervision was not likely to be disturbed owing to future demands of the ballot. The appeal was allowed, on the understanding if the neighbour was rejected when called up, appellant would proceed into camp. A GRAZIER’S APPEAL.

C. E. Lund, grazier of Te Kuiti (Mr Finlay) said ten years ago lie and his brother purchased 1789 acres, and this brother had joined the forces early in the war, and had been recently killed in action. All of his eligible brothers were with the forces. The property was a difficult one to manage and he related what had been recently done in the way of keeping it reproductive at the present time. He had striven to dispose of the place and lie would gladly go into camp if he could be relieved of the responsibilities of tlie farm.

In view of the circumstances, and as the family record was a creditable one, the appeal was allowed and a sine die exemption granted. A CHANGE OF MEN.

The appeal of li. Webster, farm hand of Te Kuiti was heard in camera and after hearing the evidence was dismissed, with exemption until August 23rd conditionally on the return of a brother from the camp who is engaged in home service. RECRUIT APPEALS. 11. N. Dickinson farmer of Kopaki, said that for three years he had farmed SSO acres. When called he had joined the tunnelling company, having then no stock on the property. He gave particulars of his financial atl'airs and stated that three brothers were already on active service. The property was used for grading whilst lie is engaged felling the bush and cutting fencing posts. The property could be leased for two years but the rental hardly covered the recurring expenses. Out of five brothers, three are already at the war, the other two being in the Second Division.

As the property could be kept productive, and as the work of splitting posts is not essential, and as there were no dependants, the appeal was disallowed and extension granted until September 20th. UNDER THE AGE. i

G. M. Ramsay, farmer, of Te Mawhia, appealed that he is under the age requiring him to render military service. The appellant’s father submitted a birth certificate in proof of the appeal, which was allowed. BY MUTUAL CONSENT. G. Ritchie, poultry farmer of To Kuiti appealed for two month’s xtenslon and he was allowed until August 23rd. TIME ALLOWED G. H. Broome, farmer of Arapae, appealed for time in irdcr to attempt to sell his farm of 265 acres or make arrangements for its supervision.

Therefore only about 20 sheep now on the place. Ilis only brother is with the English forces. Negotiations had been in progress with the Trustees Board and if he could get time to complete the fencing it would be possible to arrange supervision. An extension was granted until October 18th.