A NAPIER APPEAL

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3082, 12 May 1917, Page 9

A NAPIER APPEAL

1 ' ' MOST UNUSUAL' CASE. Ej' Telegraph—Special Correspondent. Napier, May 11. An unusual case was heard to-day at the Napier sitting of the Appeal Board, when Thomas Spillane,. driver, Napier, formerly of Ireland, appealed on various grounds. Mr. Dolau, who appeared for . appellant, said the grounds of appeal were: — (I)' That appellant was not a roservist. He wag born in Ireland, went to America for some time, and then came oil to New Zealand, where he had temporarily resided for tho last three or four years!' He had come here for the purposo of making "enough moneyto go back to Ireland, and buy his home. It was submitted that his case ■ was similar to -that of the Police v. E. J. Watt. (2) That ho is contributing to the upkeep of his people in the Old Counr try. (3) That lie is a conscientious objector for'political reasons.- ■ Appellant, giving evidence, said he would not fight because he was an Irishman. Mr. Poynton: Would you'submit to the Germans? > Appellant: No. *\' '• Continuing, appellant said Ireland would, ho no use to the Empire at the present moment. Mr. Poynton said that the Power tl|at commanded Uie sea coiikl not do without Ireland. If flic Germans got i" upper hand 111 this war, Ireland would pass to her. • Apellant: I am taking the Irfshmnn's point of view. Mr. Poynton: It seems .a funny - tiling that a man who comes out here to make money should not ho willing to,' fight' for tho country. You have 110 ground for appeal—nothing 'to sustain it at all. You are a British-horn subject, and have lived four years in this country. The case is not at all similar to that of Watt, who came here merely to wind up his affairs. Appellant: Watt was a rich man. Mr. Poynton: The appeal is dismissed.,.