MILITARY APPEAL BOARD

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 68, 7 February 1918, Page 2

MILITARY APPEAL BOARD

Sitting at T© As’oha The No. 2 Military Appeal Board commenced a sitting at Te Aroha on Tuesday. After hearing some evidence in the case of Edmond G. Browne, farmer, Hinueva, the Board decided to again consider the case next month. Samuel Hetherington, farmer, Tirau, had not yet been before the medical board. However, he desired exemption until the end of the mifking season. Major Browne, after perusing the records, said Hetheringtonhad failed to parade for medical examination in September. Appellant said he bad never received notice to parade. The Board adjourned the case till the May sitting. The appeal of Charles Barker’ farmer, Wardville, was allowed sine die, he being a Second Divisioner (Class B); he has two brothers on active service, and is essential on the farm. Frederick A. Ruthe, farmer, Puketurua, was reported to have entered camp, and his appeal was therefore dismissed. George B. Ward, fanfier, Manawaru, asked for further extension of leave, as he had been unable to dispose of his farm. He was a Cl man. Leave until June 6 was granted, and it was decided to re-

commend him for non-combatant service. Philip J. Cotter, farmer, Hinuera, was appealed for by his father, who said his son was only just of military age and was necessary on the farm. He had one son at the front, and another who had been classed C2 was working on an absent soldier’s dairy farm. Another son worked in Auckland, and could not manage the farm. Appellant asked was it fair, because he had not shirked his responsibilities as a parent that he should be victimised ? The chairman said there was no suggestion of victimisation. There were five sons and surely two could go on active service. Appellant said he could not influence bis adult sons. They were entitled to think and act for themselves. The board, dismissing the appeal, exempted Philip until May, adding that the brother should return home to replace Philip on the farm. Denis Montague, farmer’ Turanga-o-moana, supported the appeal of S. Pike, farm hand, an employee of his. Pike was a youth thoroughly x’eliable, and he would be in difficulties if the latter went to camp (Cl) —Exemption sine die was granted. William Cleary, farmer, Matamata, reported for the board’s decision His soldieT brother had returned invalided, and he expected him to take charge of the farm shortly. The board granted exemption until June 27th so that William could instruct his brother into the conduct of the farm. If the brother’s health is unsatisfactory then the time is a suitable one to dispose of the stock. David Barnett, farmer, Matamata, appealed and was supported by his employer, E. C. Banks, who .claimed that Barnett is his right-hand man. Barnett is a three quarter-caste Maori and has been classed Cl. —Appeal allowed. W. H. Marsh, storekeeper, Okoroire, claimed that he also was a three-quarter caste Maori. —Appeal allowed. Cornelius R. Hickey, dairy farmer, Taihoa (Matamata) was supported in his appeal by Mr E. C. Banks, on behalf of the Matamata Farmers’ Union. Hickey had been classed Cl, and is a Second Divisioner.—Adjourned sine die. Michael McEnteer, farmhand, Manawaru, claimed to be in F class Second Division, with seven children. —Appeal allowed. Ernest G. Warren, farmer, Patetere, produced a certificate showing he is in Class B of the second division. —Appeal allowed.

The result of a partial canvass of the district for pupils for the proposed Matamata High school was reported on by the headmaster on Tuesday. He said he had the signatures of the parents of thirty-two children. Twentyeight of these were proficiency pupils. The result of the application would probably be heard next week. At the Matamata A. and P. Association’s meeting on Monday a general discussion took place on the question of necessary improvements to the show-ground. The genera] impression seemed to be that the ground would have to be extended, and with this in view Mr Banks was deputed to make enquiries of an adjoining property holder.