EXEMPTIONS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2984, 23 January 1917, Page 5

EXEMPTIONS

Sir, —I notice Catholic priests arc feeing granted exemption. Now, this is contrary to the spirit of universal sen-ice. Ifc-is an absurd position, and savours of "wire-pulling" when men in producing industries (I refer to M large number of dairy farmers whoso appeals have been dismissed) arc tnk-en and non-producers exempted. Why do these men (the clergy) not come be/ore the Appeal Board in the ordinary way? lam informed that certain names are removed from the ballot. and so dod<r« through influence a duty they should perform wero it a case of genuine universal service. The sooner" tho general public walto un and demand tho boasted "square"deal" tho sooner will it stop the pernicious system whereby one individual enjoys concessions disallowed to another.—l am, bto., LAST MAN, LAST SHILLING. January 18. [Members of the clergy are on the same footing as other reservists. The Defence authorities give definite assurance that no names are removed from the and Hint «verv "nam" drawn ■ ie published in tho Gazette. Then tho nnlv channel of anpeal is through tho Military Service Boards, which sit in ■public. Tho Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. Allen) stated yesterday, in reply to an inouirv on the subiect, that tho sole concession "ranled the clergy was that heads of c!mre''«3 might an- I peal on their bob'ilf. Thus a bishop 1 mny ap? lp al for IV* exemption of a J priest whoso services hre regarded as | essentia? to the religions life of a seo- , 'iion of the community. Bach appeal i k hoard bjj & 'Military Sersica Board.], L