MILITARY TRAINING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5081, 28 January 1927, Page 2

MILITARY TRAINING.

CAMP EXEMPTION SOUGHT.

APPLICATIONS OF TERRITORIALS

Alleged hardships caused by territorial training were pleas brought before Mr F. W. Platts, S.M., at the Paeroa Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when R. J. McKee, Komata, applied for exemption from all training. Staff Sergeant-Major A. Steward appeared on behalf of the Defence Department and opposed the, application. In evidence the applicant said that there were nine members in the family, and he was the eldest son. His mother being a widow, he was the only one who could do the work on the farm. The remaining members of the family were going to school. Twenty-four cows were being milked. The Sergeant-Major pointed out that the applicant could go to camp in May. Applicant stated that the work on the farm kept him as Tully occupied then as at present. The magistrate said that in view o.f the circumstances exemption would be granted from camp, but the applicant would have to make up his tiaining as he could. EXEMPTION REFUSED. Ralph Killgour, Komata North, applied Tor exemption from the territorial training camp at Ngaruawahia next month on account of being engaged with his brother on a dairy farm and milking 70 cows. He stated that he was willing to attend parades at Hikutaia. There was only himself and his brother to do the whole of the farm work and it was not possible to employ satisfactory labour. The Sergeant-Major pointed out that another camp was being held in May, so as to enable farming trainees to attend one or the other.

The magistrate said he had no doubt that assistance could be obtained if the applicant was prepared to pay wages. Exemption would be granted for the February camp, but applicant would have to attend the camp in May next at Ngaruwahia.