PERSONAL SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1858, 18 September 1913, Page 7

PERSONAL SERVICE

APPLICATIONS FOE EXEMPTION,

Applications for exemption, from tho personal servico required by Part 111 or Part VI of the Defenco Act, 1909, were dealt with by Dr. A. M'Arthur, S.M., in reserved judgments delivered at Petone yosterday. The first case was that of Tlios. Henry Stephens, a hairdresser, of Petone. Mr. P. J. O'Regan 'had mado the application on behali of Stephens under Section 33 of tho Defence Act, which states that in cases in which undue hardship may bo caused by the requirements of personal military servico, complete or partial exemption may be granted. In giving judgment the magistrate said: "1 have read carefully the affidavit of the applicant, and lieard tho evidence given by him. He 'is evidently inclined to exaggerate tile difficulties, which ho considers are in his way in the performance of personal-service. I couAl not but help noticing the attitude of his employer, who stated that he would not employ anyone who had to attend drill. In iny opinion, tho applicant could perform tho personal service required of i him without incurring any 'undue liardI ship.' Tho application is therefore refused." In regard to tho application of Ernest Nelson Cunningham (Mr. P. J. O'Regan), his Worship, said that'applicant, who is a carrier, was evidently a hard-working man, and appeared to give his evidence in a straightforward manner. "I consider," said liis Worship, "that as ho is at present working ho would bo subject to undue hardship if lie wero not granted some measure of exemption. But I also consider that ho could. easily arrnngo with his brothers so that he might bo ablo to perform somo measure of the service required of him. I therefore recommend that ho bo granted partial exemption." '