APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 535, 28 May 1920, Page 2

APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION

FRONT MILITARY SERVICE. COURT'S REFUSAL. An application for exemption from military service was made by W. N. Hunter, farmer, of Mauku, at the last sitting of the Magistrate's Court, presided over by Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. The ground for exemption was one of undue hardship, applicant stating that he was singlehanded farming 50 acres. He milked 12 cows, and had 10 acres under cultivation. He had had the farm for about 12 months. He was residing with his mother and sister about five and a quarter miles from Pukekohe. He had received notice to attend drill, but had not paraded this year.

First-class W. 0., H. Robinson, appeared on behalf of the Defence Department, and strongly opposed the application. The Department contended that the fact of milking 12 cows was not sufficient grounds of undue hardship for the applicant to attend drill only once a month. As regards camp, there was no camp, and when camps were held they took place in May, a convenient time to suit farmers. At this time of the year the majority of the cows were dry. The Department felt that one day a month was not a hardship. If the application was granjted he was positive that the whole countryside would be making similar application. In answer to the S.M., Hunter said sometimes he took a day off to go to town, but very seldom, as he could not afford to lose |time. He reminded the bench that it was a big undertaking for one man to be attending to 50 acres of land, and milking 12 cows. The magistrate said a man in such a position could well afford to pay a man a 4 day's wages in order that he should go and render personal service to his country. Sergeant Cowan said there was no reason why Hunter should not attend drill. If he got off, the Court would be bombarded with applications from the whole countryside. The application was refused, as there were not sufficient grounds;