A LABOURITE'S APPEAL.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16152, 5 March 1918, Page 6

A LABOURITE'S APPEAL.

SEEKS EXEMPTION FROM MILITARY SERVICE. CASE OF JAMES THORN. (3FECIAI. TO "THE TRESS.") WELLINGTON, March 4. Appeal -was made before a. Military Scrvicc Board to-day for the exemption of Jamos Thorn, described as a journalist, but bettor known as a labour agitator. Mr Thorn was one of tho most activo of the workers for Mr Henry Holland in the election fighi just ended. Mr C. Grayndler made the application, saying that Thorn conducted tho page in the "Maorilan<3 Worker" devoted to the interests of agricultural workers. The application was for total exemption. Thorn was classed as CI. Mr Grayndlqr said ii Thorn was sent to the CI camp, it would probably mean putting the country to unnecessary expense. The rural workers' orgamsatioi uro-ed that the application bo granted on the tground, partly of Tiiorn s know* ledge or the awards affecting rural workers. The Rural Workers' J&mor was a large one, and this was the nrsl occasion on which it had made an appeal for one of its employees. Nc elfort had been made to secure a suitable man to take Thorn's place. li total exemption could not bo granted; the union asked for temporary exemption till September. Thorn was formerly employed on a farm, and- waf specially acquainted with the work he was required to do on the "Maoriland Worker." He was a single man. Captain Walker said the information he possessed showed that Thorn did not contribute to tho support of his mother. Mr Grayndler 6aid he had himselt remitted sums to Thorn's mother on Thorn's behalf. Thorn received 30s a weok and office expenses. The appeal was made on tho ground that Thorn was essential to the Rural Workers' Union of between 4000 and 5001 workers. Captain Walker: I suggest that somt one of those 4000 to 5000 rural workers could do Thorn's work on th< "Maoriland Worker." Mr Grayndler said he' did not knov of anyone' who could take his place. Captain Walker: What would be thf of Thorn going into camp? Mr Grayndlor: (Considerable hard ship to the organisation. We woult have to stop tho issue of our page ol the journal. If Thorn was taker away, and Gomeone else took his place, it might, through want of the requisite knowledge of tho substitute, result in a strike or trouble on the part of the union. After the Board announced that sufficient evidence had not been adduced to warrant the appeal being granted. Tho Board did not think that any undue hardship would result by reason of Thorn being sent to camp. The appeal was dismissed, and Thorn wns ordered to go into cami> on June 4th.