MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15130, 26 January 1917, Page 7

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

AUCKLAND SITTINGS. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, January 26. The Military Service Board sat at Auckland to-day to bear 37 appeals, including 16 from the Railway Department. An application by Bishop Averill asked for the exemption of three clergymen who held commissions as chaplains- He could not understand why, having volunteered, they should have been included in the ballot. Major Conlan said these clergymen were entitled to retain their commissions. Many men who had volunteered were included in the ballot. Many Territorial officers had been called upon, and been informed that they must either volunteer or resign their commissions. He had no need of more chaplains at present. The Board decided that as these three clergymen had already volunteered, the appeal be allowed. In support of the appeals on behalf of the men employed on the railway, the District Traffic Manager said the Department was down to bedrock, and it would be extremely difficult to replace the men called on. After hearing the evidence in the individual apveais, all the railwav men were released. - . APPEALS IN WELLINGTON CITY. WELLINGTON, January 26. The Third Wellington Military Service Board held its first sitting to-day when an appeal on behalf of Frederick Smith, taxi driver, was dismissed, one month's leave of absence being granted. Two appeals were allowed in cases where the appellants proved that they were not in the First Division. Several marine cases were adjourned in order that they could be taken together and treated alike. In the case of two returned soldiers appeals were allowed. Religious objections were the ground of appeals made by Thomas, Charles and Frederick William Anderson Wood. Both wore dismissed. Five appellants failed to appear and their appeals were dismissed.