MILITARY APPEAL BOARD

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 69, 14 February 1918, Page 1

MILITARY APPEAL BOARD

Sitting at Te A^oha Seymour Blain, farmer, Maraetai, being the last ma a on the farm, was granted sine die exemption on the usual conditions. Hans J. Johnson, carter, Tirau, was referred to by the chairman as " a member of a very patriotic family." He is an employee of a firm which has also contributed to the fighting forces. Appellant urged hardship as his chief grounds of appeal. The appeal was dismissed, and he was advised to make application for financial assistance. He goes to camp on May 2nd. Herbert Robinson, farmer, Overdale (Putaru.ru) was another who claimed to be wrongly classified— Deferred for production of proof that he is in B class of second division. Harold S. Misson, dairy farmer, Lichfield, alleged hardship, and his father gave evidence in support. The father said the son carried on the dairying while he went out contracting " to keep the home fires burning till the boys come home." The farm was only partly improved. He could not maintain the farm if the son went on active service. The son is willing to serve, so is the father. Leave was desired until another sen returned from active service. Chas C. Osmond, a neighbor, gave evidence in support, and said farm labor in his district was practically unprocurable. Farmers in the district had adopted the practice of mutual assistance to a considerable extent. Young Misson also carts cream for the settlers to the depot, and could not easily be replaced. The case was adjourned for a month for further inquiry. Albert Bowers, farmer, Okoioire, said be should be in F class and applied for a transfer to that class. By his first marriage he had three step-sons on active service, and four younger stepchildren. His second wife and four children are dependent upon him. The seven children by his first wife are not now dependent upon him. Actually he is the step-father of 10 children and the father of one. The board took some time to unravel the evidence, and held that when the Act came into force Bowers was in A class of the second division. His first wife died, and as a widower with no children appellant was transferred to the first division. His latter marriage re-transferred him to the second division, and the birth of a child to him qualifies him for classification in class B. The board considered the position a rather complicated one, especially when Bowers' counsel claimed that he had four children dependent upon him. Appellant then stated he is prepared to serve in his correct class, and he wanted to know which class he actually is in. He did not wish to skirk. The chairman said the position is unique, and the board must take time to consider its decision. Probably decision would be given i at next month's sitting. James K. Bowers, farmer, Okoroire, also claimed to be wrongly classified —■ Case adjourned to Hamilton next week. Leonard A. Orr, farmer, Walton, claimed that he is the last man on the farm, and evidence in support was given.—Sine die exemption was granted. George W. Vogt, stock buyer,' Matamata, withdrew his appeal. Thomas L. Fee, dairy farmer, Matamata, another " last man on the farm," said he had two brothers on active service.—Exemption sine die granted. Harry Whiteman, farmer, Patetonga, asked for still further leave, as his returned soldier brother was not yet well enough to take over his farm duties. — Leave was granted till the May draft.

Richard Perkinson, sawmill foreman, Te Whetu, Rotorua line, was appealed for by his employers, the Bartholomew Land and Timber Coy. Parkinson's case was first dealt with in March last, when ii was stated Perkinson was necessary to the carrying on of the milling where about 40 men are employed. The company only intended to appeal for Perkinson. Counsel said the position bad become more acute now-, as several of the other skilled employees had gone on active service, and their places had been filled by comparatively unskilled men, who required more instruction and supervision. Mr Tompkins, manager of the mill, amplified counsel's statement. Perkinson had charge of tbe band-saw, and he was peculiarly suited by temperament to control the saw. Mr Rosser pointed out that there was not so much demand for timber now, and he wanted to be sure that the industry was essential. Mr Tompkins said timber from his mill was used in the country districts, and he had a smaller stock now than ever. His firm was also engaged in breaking-in land for farming purposes. The chairman read a letter from a former employee written to show that Perkinson was not essential to the conduct of the company's business, and had been absent from work on several occasions. The letter stated that the residents of the district felt that he should go to camp. A second letter of a similar nature was also read. Mr Tompkins showed that for the last five months of 1917 the mill worked 122 days. Perkinson had worked on 120 days. The letters were written by a discharged employee, and generally the statements therein were contrary to fact. Counsel here pointed -out that Perkinson was not appealing personally. The company was appealing. The writer of the letter had also written to the Timber Workers Union, and the Health Department. The chairman remarked that the writer appeared to be spiteful and vindictive. It was stated that during Perkinson's visit to Australia he had enlisted and been rejected. The chairman said tbe writer of the letters had been called to appear before the board, and had failed to attend and substantiate his statements. The board's previous decision (sine die) would be maintained.