AN IRISHMAN'S VIEW.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1714, 19 May 1917, Page 2

AN IRISHMAN'S VIEW.

WHY HE APPEALED. An unusual case came under the notice of the Appeal Board at Napier on Friday, when a young and active-looking man —Thomas Spillane, driver, Napier —came forward to support his appeal (says the Herald). Mr Dolan, who appeared for appellant, said that the appeal which had been lodged by the appellant in person was bast'd on three grounds; First, that appellant was not a reservist; second, that his family in Ireland was dependent on his support; and, third, that he had conscientious reasons for objecting to military service. Appellant, in the box, said he was born in Ireland, had been three years in America and four years in New Zealand. He had never voted or intended to take up his residence here.

The Bench; If everyone objected like you have done there would be no one fighting.

Mr Poynton: Would you submit to the Germans? —No, But Ireland is no use (o the Empire at the present moment.

Mr Poynton said no [tower that commanded (he sea could do without Ireland. If Germany got (he upper hand in this war Ireland would pass to her. Appellant: 1 am taking the Irishman’s point of view.

Mr Poynton: It seems a funny (hing tlial a in;in who comes out here to make money should not he willing to tight in the State's interests. You have no grounds for appeal—nothing at all to sustain it. You are a British horn subject, and have lived Jour vein's in tins country. The ease is not similar to that of Watt, who came here merely to wind up his business a Hairs. Appellant: Watt was a rich man. Mr Poynlon: Dismissed. The appeal is dismissed. The appellant was evidently in an argumentive mood, and his voluminous protestations were ‘ cut short by the voice of the chairman, who again dismissed the appeal, whereupon the conscript left the box, evidently dejected.