ONEWHERO.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 292, 13 July 1917, Page 3

ONEWHERO.

(See also page 4.)

MR E. F. MUIR'S APPEAL.

The appeal of Edward F. Muir, farmer, Onewhero (Mr Ostler), which had been adjourned for two months, was resumed yesterday before the Fust Military Service Board in Auckland. Counsel said appellant had expected that his brother would have been able to take charge of his property, but he became so ill that he had had to go to Honolulu. He would be away two months and it was hoped he would be well enough then to take charge of the property.

Major Conlan submitted that appelland was a wealthy man with no dependants, and well able to pay a farm manager. Answering Major Conlan appellant said his debts totalled from £7OOO to £BOOO and he valued his land and stock at nearly £16,000. He had taken no steps to obtain a manager, as he believed it impossible to get one. Mr Pine expressed the view that appellant could have made provision for carrying on the farm. Counsel submitted that because appellant was a man of means he was being treated differently from other appellants. The chairman said that was not the case, but where a man was able to pay for management it must necessarily place a different complexion on the case. Mr Ostler : That may be so, but the board is assuming that appellant is a wealthy man, which is not the case.

Mr Elliott: Well, his uncle and brother are well able to pay L-r management. A confidential report from the Farmers' Union was then shown to counsel, after reading which he said he protested, as it was signed by a man who had not been called, who was not friendly toward appellant. Major Conlan explained that the statement was signed by the signatory as chairman of the Farmers' Union and not as the responsible party. Norman C. Cole-Baker, postmaster at Onewhero, a farmer and justice of the peace, whose property adjoined appellant's, said he considered it would be a hard property for a paid manager to look after. Neil Ohisen, farmer, Onewhero, and a member of the executive of the Farmers' Union, said he had seen the report referred to. The person signing it merely signed it as chairman. It was drafted by other members of the local branch of the Farmers' Union. Witness was of opinion that anybody with a common knowledge of stock could manage Muir's property, and it would not be a hardship if Muir had to serve. The board in granting exemption until September 20th, expressed the view that appellant could secure a suitable manager.