STRONG MAN FAINTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1916, Page 3

STRONG MAN FAINTS.

BUT IS TO CO TO CAMP. Hamilton, Dec. 24. The spectacle of a blacksmith :e----joicing in the classic name of Hercules, and strong and hardy in appearance, fainting in the witness-box, was the principal feature of yesterday's sitting of the Military Service Board. The appellant in the case was Hercules Johnson, aged 40. blacksmith, of Hamilton, who asked for temporary exemption from service on the grounds of pub. lio interest, by reason of his occupation, and undue hardship on account of i'lhealth. He put in a doctor's certificate, stating that hie hearing was defective, owing to chronic catarrh. He stated that he had volunteered for service in November, then asking for six months' exemption. He now asked for three months' time. It was eight years since he was first examined for ear trouble. There was a great shortage of blacksmiths, who were needed to keep the farming industry going with implements. Appellant showed no signs of deafness in the box, and Major Conlan, military representative, said appellant had been examined by a medical board, who said that he could hear whispers. Appellant admitted this, hut said he was considerably affected by colds, and always had noises in his ears. He also spoke of having heart trouble. Major Conlan remarked that the doctors ddi not mention this. Owing to his cross-examination b> Major Conlan, Johnson became strange in manner, and shortly afterwards swooned, and was removed by a constable to a chair, where restoratives were applied. The board decided that Johnson was capable of service, but granted exemption until February 28.