MILITARY APPEALS.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 79, 25 April 1918, Page 4

MILITARY APPEALS.

Sitting at Te Aroha. Edward Gardiner, picture proprietor, Te Aroha, whose case was heard a month ago when his counsel claimed appellant was a half-caste Maori, and therefore exempt under the provisions of the Military Service Act. The case was then deferred for the production of evidence. To-day Teni Tuwhakaraina, of Morrinsville, gave evidence, after which the appeal was allowed, appellant being informed that he would be called upon to enrol with the Maoris.

Robert P. R. Malcolm, dairy farmer, Hinuera Valley, said he was in charge of a farm for a settler in the district named Barnard. Previous to taking charge of the farm 11 months ago he was electrical engineering in Auckland, but was brought up on a farm. He owned the dairy herd on the farm, and if he were compelled to sell them now it would mean a loss of about 50 per cent. Mr Hockley: Yon mean more like 10 per cent. Appellant, continuing, said prices were now very low for dairy cows. Barnard was. ineligible for military service. Appellant asked for time to dispose of his herd. —He goes to camp on July 18th.

John C. R. Ashworth, farmer, Tokoroa, said he was the last man on the farm, and asked for leave until his brother recovers in health sufficiently for him to take charge of the farm. This brother is delicate and under military age.—Adjourned for one month.

Stanley Farrant, farmer, Motumaoho, satisfactorily proved he was under military age, and his appeal was allowed.

Albert Bullin, railway employee, Morrinsville, alleged undue hardship. He was quite willing to serve, but asked for financial assistance. He had been classed Cl. —He was referred to the Financial Assistance Board, and the appeal was dismissed. He goes to camp on June 6th. It was stated in evidence that the Railway department had withdrawn its appeal in this case.

Lewis W. Hildreth, farmer, Putaruru, was formerly classed C2, but had since been graded Cl. Last May he was ready to go but was rejected. He had undertaken obligations recently, and asked for total exemption. The mother supported the appeal. The family record was good, three sons on service, one killed in France. One has returned invalided, a shell-shock case. —The chairman, recording sine die exemption, said the family had done well, and the board had no hesitation in granting the adjournment.

M. Riordan, farmer, Putaruru said he was the last man on the farm, and could not leave it uncarecl for. — Adjourned for two months.

John W. Kenyon t dairy farmer, Ngarua, said he volunteered early in 1917 and was rejected being informed that he was not likely to be required, even for service in the Dominion. He had since married and taken on financial obligations. —Adjourned for inquiry.

David F. Curtin, farmer, Waitoa, claimed to be the “ last man on the farm ” of 420 acres, with a dairy herd of 100. He also conducted two other smaller farms. His father is over 70 years of age. —The Board was satisfied Curtin was essential to the carrying on of the farm and granted exemption sine die. Mrs Nicklin, Putaruru, appeared on behalf of Private Edgar Nicklin, asking that he be permitted to return to New Zealand on furlough to fix up business matters. —The Board referred applicant to the district trustee, saying it was extremely awkward to advise without knowing the full circumstances. Mrs Nicklin said her husband and his three brothers were on service. Two had been killed. Her two brothers had also served, one being invalided home. John Worth, Okoroire, desired leave till the end of the milking season. He and his brother are partners and milk 60 cows —Leave till May 24th was granted. John B. Hannah, farmer, Piako, said since he had been rejected for service he had sold his farm at Te Aroha West and purchased another at Piako. Pie asked for time to fix up his affairs. —The Board said Hannah was evidently quite willing to serve, and adjourned the case for two months.