MILITARY SERVICE BOARD

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2962, 28 December 1916, Page 6

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD

RESERVISTS' APPEAL

1 Position of railwaymen

" BOARD FEWER TRAINS S* ■ ; The - liYfilHngton Military Service Board resumed its sittings in tho City jyesterday, tho members present tscfng jMr. D. G. A. Cooper, S.M. (chairman), j-Mr. D. M'Laren and Mr. G. 'Williams replacing Mr. W. Perry), j'lTio military representative was Cap'taiii 0. R. Orr Walker.^ ; The list of cases sot down for hearing contained several appeals by tho "General Manager of Railways on behalf ' V>f railway servants who had been drawn jin the ballot. Exemption was asked ■jin those cases on the ground that the jmeu /concerned were performing essen;.'.ntiaT:eerrioe and,their enlistment would ; |be contrary to tho publio interest. Tlie '.first-case wasthat.of "William Harold f •'Hales, clerk, of Oriental Bay.

Railway Department's Case. >•; John Bevan, District Traffic Manager 'of Itaihvays, said that Hales was an expert time-table and train-running clerk, -whose services were required in connection with tho railway service. Tho Railway Department had to provide . transport facilities for the food and mother products of the Dominion which ■' wore exportedfor the British GovernJnent; also to furnish'facilities for the ■ handling of troops. The Department - had from the commencement of hostilities' assisted in every way possible, and had up to the present time released approximately 3000 men. for military ■. service. In no case had the Department • applied for exemption for other than trained railway men whose _ retention I \vas necessary for the. efficient carrying on of the service, and there were many grades of railway men on whose behalf no application had been made, , and the Department wished it definitely that applications for exemption would in all cases be strictly and that no obstacle would be .placed m tho-way of the enlistment of any railway man who could" possibly be 1 spared. The witness Btated that Hales, r .with two 'other clerks, compiled the ' time-tables arid train advices for holiday events, tho transport of troops, the carriage, of frozen meat, and general \ services." He also worked in .connection. wift the transport of goods from tho camps. 'An Essential Worker. To Captain Walker: Hales was the ■ most experienced of tho three"men. Of , the other two, oho was in the First / •Division and the other was over ago. ... 'A man experienced in. time-table work ■woud require a year to acquire local / knowledge before he could produce 1 satisfactory results. There were no . undor-studies to the three men, who • were forking at veryhigh pressure. - Captain Walker i What would happen :f one of these men were ,taken "'ill and in some other way put out of action?"- , » Witness! The'transport work would he seriously delayed.

Captain Walker t Do you seriously say that the absence of one man .would hold the work up?,

•Witness: I do not thisi we could carry on.properly. In reply to further questions, Mr. Benin said lie could not speak as to the position in other districts. That could bo obtained from the General Manager. The statement he made was on instructions from 'the Genera.l Manager. . • '

- Captain Walker: Then apparently we should have the General Manager here, as ho is the only man that can give the evidence. _ v

" Mr. Bevan said that ho and his Assistant: Traffic Manager wero over Mr. Hales, who referred points in dispute to them. , Another man in the office had several years' local knowledge; but it would he impossible for him to impart that knowledge under existing circumstances to a man from another district.

Captain Walker said it was unsatisfactory to have a statement from the ~ General 'Manager- through Mr. Bevan, who could hot speak further as to the :■ position outside the Wellington disy trict.

To Mr. M'Laren: Five clerks had enlisted from the Traffic Manager's office. _ Eight out of 15 remaining were, he believed, in the First Division.

W. H. Hales, who was called as' a witness, said that he had been seven, years in his present position and nine years training for it. He had no definite hours of work, and every third week was required to bo at call day and night. He was averaging .eleven hours' work a day at present, but the .duties were lighter in winter.

,' To Captain Walker: There were onlr : three men to deal with the work. If :7 one were taken ill the other two would - have to carry on somehow. It would be hard work, but they could hand some of the -minor correspondence to a . smart clerk. In the other districts there wore staffs of three, hut the only man i ho knew with Wellington knowledge , was the chief clerk at Invcrcargill. , 'Another member of tlio timetable staff .' was in the Ist Division, and when he :■' was drawn in the ballot it would, in ; witness's opinion, be necessary to anply : for exemption for him. If two members ■ of tho staff were awn v some portion of the traffic work would have to stop. Race Trains. Mr. Williams: If the race, show, and • '• other non-essnntial special trains were cut out, could two of you carry on? Witness: "Yes, I should think so." Hales added that he had not had any holidays for;three years. Mr. R. W. M'Villy. assistant traffic manager, said that all tho Department asked for'at the present time were tem- ' porary exemptions to tide them over the busy season. Later it would bo necessary to apply for permanent "exemptions in certain cases. Orio such case would be Mr. Hales. In the case of firemen • only temporary exemption was required at present. To Captain Walker: In the whole of ■ the cases in which exemption was being sought now reconsideration would be asked for at the end of three months. Mr. M'Villy promised to obtain figures showing the numbers of men in various districts and Departments, and tho number enlisted. " Decision was reserved till later in the day. Signalman's Case. An appeal had been lodged by the General Manager of Railways in the case.of Patrick Richard Ryan, signalman, employed • at Lambton Station. Mr. Bevan stated that the'work was of an expert character. Ryan and three other men worked in the signal box. In answer to questions, Mr. Bevan stated that other men could bo trained for signal work_, but tho staff had been depleted considerably already, and •there was a great shortage of suitable • men. The Department was losing many men by resignation. A man with six months' Bervico could not . bo trained as n, signalman, even apart from all questions of promotion. < To Mr. M'Laren: The number of resignations at present was large since tliero was a, great demand for labour • mitside. Men did not earo to stay in the service and work irregular hours.

Some, in fact, had gone into camp to havo an easier time than in the railway service. The board reserved its decision. Shortage of Firemen. Tho_ General Manager made application for the exemption of Fredorick Henry Cunningham, locomotive fireman, Masterton. Mr. Bevan said there was at present a shortage of firemen in tho railway scrvico. Of 145 authorised firemen in tho Wellington district 55 had gone into camp, and there were nine vacancies not tilled. Of acting-firemen 42 out of 120 had gone into camp, and thero were eight vacancies not filled; of cleaners 63 out of 181 were in camp, and 34 vacancies were Hot filled; of 130 acting-engine-men 15 were in camp, and six vacancies were not filled. Of a total authorised staff of 576, 155 had gone .into camp, and there were"ss vacancies not filled; being a shortage of 40 per cent, of the normal staff. ' A similar appeal was lodged in tho case of Leslie Baker, locomotive fireman, stationed at Wellington. Baker was present iu person, and' gave evidence. Ho said ho went into camp with the 10th Reinforcements, but was rejected on account of an injury to his hip. He was put on Home Service, but was discharged on the application'of the, Railway Department. Tho Board's Decisions. , The chairman, announcing the decir sions of tho board in the railway cases, said that in the case of Hales the board reserved its decision for two months, and granted suspension from military scrvicc in tho meantime, provided Hales remained in -.his present employment. In the cases of Ryan, Cunningham, and Baker, suspension would ho granted for three months, the men to remain in their present occupations. An Important Recommendation. "The board desires to impress upon the, Department the necessity for training some officer in the duties carried out by Mr. Hales, in order thatithis reservist may be released if required for service at the front," said the chairman. "The board wishes further torecommend to the Department tho desirability of reducing, if not altogether eliminating, the number of trains' now, run for the purpose of conveying the public to race meetings, shows, and other excursions. The necessity for this was elicited in Mr. Hales's evidence, in which he stated that out of 2250 trains ruu in the Wellington district during the present year 1500 of these were absolutely essential, thus leaving a balance of 750 run' for excursion purposes only. The board is of opinion that it. is about time that the public realised that they must do away with at least-some of their trains so as to help in filling up the Reinforcements." A Religious Objector. Spencer George Halse, turner and fitter, Petone, appealed on the ground of religious 'objections. An appeal was made by Messrs. W. Cablo and Co., Halse's employers, on the grounds of public interest. '• Halse stated that he was a member of the sect known as tho Brethren. The tents of tho sect did not lay down any general rule of conduct as to the bearing of arms. Each brother was guidedi by his own interpretation of the Scriptures. He had religious convictions against bearing arms.

The board pointed out that the Act made provision for exemption only in cases where the religious objections were dictated by the tenets of a particular creed.

Mr. William Cable, in support of the employee's appeal, said that ill the engineering trade there was a chronic shortage of skilled labour. His iirm employed from 30 to 50 fitters and turners, and had been unable to get additional men, who would bo required urgently when the busj season, began. To the chairman: The' firm had not tried to replace Halse till it learned if he would, bo exempted. •

_ Mr. M'Laren said the manufacturers, like the farmers, must realise that the First Division men were needed at the front, and must try to replace them before applying for exemption.' To Captain Walker, witness said that most of the fitters and turners wore men- of military age. He would ask only,for Exemptions to tide over the busy months. Mr. M'Laren: Wo will liave to stop the war for a few months. They all want temporary exemptions. Mr. Cable: food,ships will have to t be delayed. Most of the' firm's work was connected with the overseas food ships, transports, and freezing works. The firm had secured several temporary exemptions from' the Ministry for Munitions. . None of the men so exempted had been discharged, but some had resigned. No effort to find additional hands ha'd been made for three or four months. The board - dismissed both the appeals: ""A Returned Soldier. Edward Robert Norman, clerk, Wellington, appealed on the ground that he was not a Reservist, Ho had served with the Main .Body, and 1 had been discharged in October, 1915, after service in Egypt and Gallipoli. As a returned soldier he was not liable to bo selected) 'by ballot; The appeal was allowed. No Appearance. - Samuel Colwell, driver, Wellington, had appealed on the ground of medical unfitness and undue hardship. He did not appear and! the appeal was struck out. , • An Only Son. James Abraham Dunn, farm worker, Silverstream, appealed on, the ground of undue hardship. _ He stated that he was the only surviving'son, his'brother having been killed at the front. His parents were not dependents upon him. Tho. appeal was dismissed, Captain Walker undertaking that the Reservist should have leave till the end of March, 1917. A Stock Buyer. Thomas Hope Murray, buyer . and drafter of stock, Masterton, had been drawn by ballot. His employers, the Wellington Meat Export Company, appealed' oil the ground of public interest. Murray had already enlisted aiul had been rejected ou medical grounds. He was now engaged upon essential work. The Reservist was directed to go before the Medical lioanl for examination. Slaughterman's 'Case. • Arthur Driscoll, slaughterman, Wellington, appealed, on- grounds of public interest and undue hardship. His employers, tlx} Wellington Meat, Export Company., also appealed on his. behalf and stated that there' was a shortage of slaughtermen, who could not be spared! from tho freezing works. Mr. M. J. lleardon appeared on behalf of the Federated Slaughtermen's' Union, and said that tho union could not'supply all the skill«t labour required by tho frozen meat industry. The board reserved its decision sine die, provided that the Reservist remained in his present occupation, and Mr. Reardon reported to tnat effect to-tlio officer commanding Group 5 oil January 23, 1917, and! on tho 23rd day of each subsequent month. < The board adjourned until 10 a.m. today. SOUTH CANTERBURY SITTINGS FARMERS' APPEALS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Timaru, December 27. Tho Military Service Appeal Board resumed to-day. The appellants were nearly all Waimato farmers. G. A. M'Culloch said ho had a large farm employing four men. Three were in

the First Division. He had no relations able to manage tho farm. The board thought a retired farmer could manago tho farm. Three months was allowed appellant to get a manager. J. F. Fox said he had no dependants. Two brothers were ineligible. He was (jllowcd two months to get in the harvest.

C. J. Davis said he had two brothers in the First Division. He also was allowed two months for harvesting.

Michael Hyues, with 1050 acres of leasehold land, said he had a brother as a partner who had been drawn in tho second ballot. The board said one must go, and adjourned the case for one month for harvest, tho brothers to decide which would go.

J. W. Peck said he had two brothers in tho Main Body and two others in the Second Division. Tho board thought one of these could look after the farm, and adjourned the appeal fat two months.

K. V. Oliver said he managed his father's grazing run and helped on a small homo farm. He had a younger brother, single, and another married. A period of three months was allowed for a choice to he made between the appellant and tho single brother. 1\ Casey appealed as an employer for his brother Richard. Ho had (303 acres, 300 in crop on steep country, requiring experience to use the implements, and another brother looked after the sheep, and did not do team work. The appeal was dismissed, three months being allowed appellant to get in the harvest.

A Waimate business man was allowed two months to sell out.

Four cases were adjourned for medical reports on alleged unfitness. A. J. Hunter, farm labourer, said he was caring for his mother. A brother had also been called ni>. Appellant is to remain at home if tho brother goes to the front. The appeal was adjourned sine die.

.T. J. Wellwood said lie supported a mother and two sisters. The appeal was adjourned sine die if he remains on his farm.

W. 0. Skeffington, Geraldine. said he was an only son on a. farm of 694 acres, 250 being in crop. Tho appeal was adjourned sine die.

D. Foster, aerated water manufacturer, appealed oil the ground of hardship. He -said lie had considerable plant and business. He had no dependants, but no'one elso-"knew his business. He was helped by a brother-in-law who had also been drawn. The latter, Bastings, had been called up and Foster had agreed to help' him financially if Bastings is taken. The latter's appeal. was disallowed, and the former's adjourned sine die, if he helps Bastings.

j. H. Meheters said he was bom in New Zealand of German parents. He was willing to serve after the harvest, and was allowed three months, after which he is to be Riven home service. A brother, his partner, could manage 'the farm. NORTH OTAGO APPEALS By Telegraph—Press Association. Oamaru, December 27. The Otago Military Appeal Board sat here to-day, when thirty cases were heard. Mostly farmers and labourers appealed on the grounds of hardship, and the inability to get labour to carry on the farms. There was one conscientious objector, whose appeal was disallowed. One appeal was allowed, tho appellant being over age. Stephen Henry Pullinger, farmer, appealed on the ground that he was the sole supporter of his aged father. The appeal was dismissed. James Roy M'Conachie,agent, was the sole support of his aged and crippled mother, who could not get the old age pension. His case was adjourned to the end of the sitting,to allow the calling of medical evidonce. Jas. Boxton Barr's appeal was .withdrawn, as he was declared medically unfit.

William Henry Isdale, seaman, until recently, appealed on the ground ofhardship. He said he was prepared to go back to transport or hospital ship work. He had a farm which he would have to dispose of. The appeal was dismissed.

William Robertson, farmer, appealed oil the ground that it would be contrary to the public interest for him to enlist as he'was a grain'and wool producer. He also urged religious objections to the bearing of arm£. Appeal dismissed.

George . Selman appealed on ' tho ground, of hardship. He managed an invalid mother's farm, and supported her and an invalid sister,, whose' husband was bedridden. _ The case was adjourned to next sitting, the appellant in the < meantime to be medically ex-, amined.

In his appeal William Ewing claimed that he was unfit. Appeal dismissed. John Robert D&lgleish, farmer, appealed on the ground that he was the sole support'of his mother, and sisters. His father had just .died. Case adjourned sine die. Peter Allan appealed on tlio ground that lie was'not a reservist, as lie was over age. Appeal allowed. " William Joseph, joiner, withdrew his appeal on bcin<» granted three weeks to suit his employer. Jack M'Nally appealed on tio ground of undue hardship. His father had lost his right hand, and was unable to work.' Case adjourned sine die, on the usual conditions of remaining in his present employment. Peter Albert Thomson, for whom tlie Department of Agriculture _ appealed, was exempted while remaining in his present, work, it being essential. Douglas Stewart appealed on the ground of hardship. Adjourned sine die, on the usual conditions. Godfrey H. S. Barnett asked for exemption until, after, harvest, and was allowed till the end of February.

John Hayes, who managed , a farm at Tescliemaker's Convent, appealed on the ground of hardship: Appeal dismissed. . '

David Pinlay Isbistor, dairy farmer, appealed on the ground that it would be contrary' to the public interests. He said he was willing to go .if lid could obtain assistance. .Ho was allowed till March 1.

Patrick Greaney's appeal was on the ground of ■ undue liards^.-' • His father was unable to work.' Adjourned sine die conditionally.

James Frederick Glennie. could get no one to look after his. farm. Adjourned to next sitting, appellant to be medically examined.

Ronald Alexander Dickson, farmer, purchased a leasehold twelve months ago and could not get assistance. He would go if he could sell his farm.' Case dismissed.

George Maxwell Taylor, farmer, appealed on the ground of . undue hardship. He was willing to enlist if he could dispose of his farm. Adjourned for three months.

Win. Noill, farmer, married, appealed oh the ground of undue hardship. Tho, father stated thai he was unable to do agricultural farming, and was dependent on his son for fliSt. Appeal dismissed.

Archibald Robb's (farmer) ground of appeal was that he had to support his mother and sisters. Three'brothers had enlisted, and the others would not come home and manage the farm. Adjourned sine die, appellant to remain in Lis present work.

Joseph Preston, station owner, appealed on behalf of his son Joseph Thorpe Preston, station manager. Tho appellant was employed in tho essential industry of wool growing. ' Tho appeal was adjourned sine die.

Robert M'Neil's appeal was dismissed, there being no appearance of the appellant.

Heliry Williams, farmer, appealed on tho ground of hardship and financial obligations. sine die.

appellant to remain in his present work.

Daniel Oliver, farmer, a, single man, could get no one to manago his grazing run. Adjourned for three months, to givo him an opportunity to dispose of his farm.

W. R. M'Gregor appealed for John Allan M'lntosh, an employee, whom ho thought was medically unfit. Appeal dismissed.

Michael Edward M'Plice asked for one month to manage his business. Appeal dismissed.

James Newsomo Cook, shepherd, who managed his own and his' mother's farm, appealed on the ground of hardship. Caso adjourned, for one Month. The Board adjourned till to-morrow morning.