MILITARY APPEAL BOARD.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 95, 15 August 1918, Page 2

MILITARY APPEAL BOARD.

Sitting in TeAroha. Sydney J. Loch, farmer, Walton, claimed to have been drawn in A class when actually he was in B class. He produced documentary evidence in support. He was drawn last November. — Appeal allowed on grounds that he was wrongly drawn. He will be drawn probably in the next draft.

James Thomson, farmer, Waharoa, said he was managing his father’s farm. The father is aged and infirm, and quite unable to conduct the farm of 200 acres. Appellant gave details of his farming operations. Appellant’s father gave evidence in support, but admitted he had made no effort to replace his son. The case was adjourned for further nquiry. Walter W. Dickie, farmer, Walton, was recalled. In June, 1917, he had been granted sine die exemption. The conditions had since altered, married men with children being called up for service. Appellant was a First Divisioner. Appellant, re-examined, said he was in precisely the same position as when examined last year. His output from the farm last year - was 300 head of fat cattle, less than 100 other cattle, and over 1000 fat sheep. This year’s output to date was 197 fat cattle, 8 springers and 16 vealers. He was still prepared to hand his property over to a suitable manager. His father was about 70 years of age, and had done no farming for nearly 30 years. The board complimented Dickie on his farming operations. It was the policy of service boards not to make any changes in the control of farms that may decrease the productivity of those farms. The figures submitted to the board showed that appellant was an energetic farmer, and he would be granted sine die exemption on the usual conditions.

Norman W. Jordan, farmer, Walton, alleged hardship. He is the last man on the farm. One brother is on active service, the other is storekeeping and could not take over the farm. Appellant said he had tried to sell his farm, and was willing to “do his bit.” —Sine die was granted, and he was advised to try and dispose of his farm.

Ernest J. King, farmer, Hinuera, said he is farming 390 acres. His partner, a brother-in-law, volunteered two years ago and has lately _ returned wounded, permanently" unfit. Appellant stated his willingness to go on service if the partner could take over the farm. There is no prospect for some time to come of this arrangement being possible. Appellant milks a herd of 70 cows without assistance. He has seven brothers, six of them older than appellant, married and with families. None were able to take over his farm. —Adjourned for further inquiry.

Charles C. Dent, farmer, Hinuera, claimed to be the last man on the farm. He had been managing a cheese factory and improving the farm as opportunity offered. The farm was now sufficiently improved to require his whole time. He did not know who he could get to look after the farm if he went on active service.—Adjourned for inquiry.

Charles G. Alcorn, farmer, Putaruru, and manager for the Maraetai Farms Co., Ltd., claimed undue hardship. He was farming 80 acres, which he had improved by grazing and clearing until it is now ready for dairying. —Decision deferred for further inquiry.

Alfred Harwood, farmer, Putaruru, said he had been unable to dispose of his farm, 200 acres endowment lease. He suggested that the local Trustee board could take it over, and the Financial Assistance board make a contribution. There were 60 acres in grass. A brother had returned from the war and was farming a. neighboring farm. He was not able to take charge of appellant’s farm. —Adjourned for further inquiry. William M. -Griffiths, motor engineer, Matamata (Mr Gilchrist), alleged hardship. He is the last remaining son, four brothers being on active service. —Sine die was granted, the board complimenting the family on its military record. George Gordon, farmer, Te Poi, who had first been classed 02 and later, on re-examination, classed Fit A, said his mother and sister assisted him on the farm. His father was working elsewhere and could not do farm work. Two brothers are farming in other districts. Another brother had been working at a cheese factory and

declined to take on the farm. He had had no farming experience. Mr Rosser : It’s a peculiar state of affairs when a son has no interest in his mother’s welfare in these times. Appellant said he had 85 head of cattle on the farm ; 40 of these were dairy cattle. He proposed to put 80 acres under the plough this season for turnips and grass. He had 40 acres ploughed last season. The board granted sine die on the usual conditions. William Livingstone, farmer, Matamata, said he was conducting two farms each of about 250 acres. He had taken over the second farm about four months ago. He asked for six months leave, and recognised he should serve his oountry. Of seven brothers he was the eldest. The youngest was the only one on active service. Appellant was nearly 44 years of .age. Sharemilkers would be milking 80 cows this season. —Sine die was granted in view of appellant’s age and the fact that he is a good producing farmer. Frederick G. Mills, farm assistant, and carrier, Matamata, whose case had been deferred three or four months ago, was recalled. He asked for leave until May 1919. Mr Rosser: That is a tall order! Appellant was examined as to the ability of his mail-carrier to undertake the work on the farm, and appellant doubted the youth’s willingness and ability. If the youth could do the work appellant would be satisfied. A report on the case from Mr E. C. Banks, recommending exemption conditional on Miles giving his whole attention to the farm, was read. After further inquiry sine die was granted on the usual conditions. Albert E. Lockyer, farmer, Hungahunga, a volunteer, was appealed for by his father, William Lockyer, who said his two other sons had gone on active service as volunteers also. Charles had returned wounded, and was unfit for active farm work. The two sold L ers had volunteered on the understanding that Albert would stay on the father’s farm. Immediately he came of military age, however, Albert volunteered. Charles has a farm of his own, and has not yet been discharged from the military forces. Letters from the soldier brothers in support were put in. The father was quite unable to carry on the home farm, dairying, without Albert.

Chas. W. Lockyer, son of appellant, gave evidence in support. The board decided to make a recommendation to the Wellington Board that Albert Lockyer be given indefinite leave.