MILITARY SERVICE APPEAL BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1663, 18 January 1917, Page 3

MILITARY SERVICE APPEAL BOARD.

A MOUTOA CASE,

William Henry Smith, farmer, Moutoa (Mr H. R. Cooper), appealed on ground of public interest and undue, hardship.

Mr Cooper said appellant had a farm of 200 acres at Moutoa on lease from his father. This property was on the banks of the Manawatu, about seven miles from Foxton, and had to be continually watched in the flood seasons. He could not transfer the lease. Appellant had another property leased from a Mr Johnston, who had gone into camp. Appellant milked .118 cows, and fattened stock and pigs. Appellant said he was 32 years of age. His leasehold was on the banks of the Manawatu river, and was . very liable to Hoods. A stop-bank was erected, but in flood time it was necessary to stay up all night to watch the farm in case of incroachment. His father was unable to do any work on the farm. His rent was £1 per week, and this was paid to next September. He bad enquired to see if be could get a manager, but bad not been successful in getting one who was acquainted with the, district. It was necessary that a manager should have a knowledge of the liver and district. He bad another property 14 miles distant, which he had teased from a Mr Johnston, who had gone to' camp, and appellant had taken an extension of the lease for Jive years. He was milking 118 cows with machines. He bad two hands on the place, but one bad gone to Marton. Last year lie turned oft a large number of fat stock and 80 or 90 pigs. There were 100 fat .stock on the place now. if he went into camp be would lose the leasehold he was renting from his father. To Mr McLaren: His father did not really say what he would do in ease appellant went to the war. Appellant had a brother, Joseph Patrick, in Foxton, who had married in May, 1915. He heard that his brother, John Albert, was in camp about twelve months ago. He could not say where his other brother was. Capt, Walker: Why could not your brother Joseph run the farm 1 ? Appellant :He could run it, I sup- - pose. Capt. Walker; What is the farm valued at? Appellant: About £SO or £OO an acre. Capt. Walker: What is the rental value? Appellant: I am pitying £1 an acre. Capt. Walker: On a live per cent, basis it is worth £2O per acre. Don’t you think anyone would jump at it at £1 per acre. Appellant: Yes. Capt. Walker .And even at £1 10s per acre? Appellant: Yes. Capt. Walker: Your father could easily get £2 per acre, and get twice his present rental? Appellant; Yes. To Captain Walker: Ho was paying a big rental for his other farm because the two places worked in well together, one being liable to flood.

Ca.pt. Walker: You took an extended lease of Johnston’s place. Did you not think you would be called up ?

Appellant; No, I did not think I would as the Government was taking over our butter and cheese. To Capt. Walker: It was possible for his neighbours to assist in protecting his property from floods. To Mr Cooper; lie had improved his property to the extent of about £I,OOO since taking the lease from his father.

To Mr Perry: He used machines, but he believed hand-milking gave better return. Machines were necessary, however, to deal with large numbers of cows.

The Board decided to adjourn the appeal sine die, provided appellant remains in his jvresent occupation, the Board reserving the right to review its decision in three months’ time.