MILITARY SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 May 1917, Page 8

MILITARY SERVICE.

APPEAL BOARD SITTINGS. Tiie First Wellington Military Service Appeal Board—Messrs D. G. A. Cooper, S.M. (chairman), 1). McLaren, and W. 'Pcrrv—commenced a sitting at the Hawera Courthouse yesterday morning. The appeal of Henry Anderson, who appealed on the ground that he was not a reservist, was called on. Captain Walker stated that the appeal had been withdrawn, and tliat the appellant had proceeded to camp.—Appeal dismissed. The appeal of Alfred Nobel Brown, clieesemaJter, Kapun\. which had been adjourned from the previous sitting, for a report from tlio Efficiency Trustees, was further adjourned until the next sitting, the chairman stating that the Board had not yet come to a decision in regard to the ease. The appeal of George Brooking, factory manager, Tutatawa, for whom Mr T. C. iFookes, appeared, which was adjourned from the previous sitting, was reconsidered. Mr Fookes called Julius Jacobseij, the manager. of the company, who produced a letter from the secretary of the company, showing the position of the dairy factories in that locality. The appellant, in evidence, said lie had 12 years' experience in Taranaki as a cheeseniaker, and was the sole employee in the Tutatawa factory. From his own personal knowledge he knew that in consequence of the enlistment of dairy factory managers and assistants, there was a considerable shortage-of factory managers at the present time, and he believed the company would have a good deal of difficulty in replacing him during the coming season. No arrangements had been made for the retention of his services for the next season; his engagement was a yearly one.

Under cross-examination by Captain Walker, the appellant said lie volunteered in 1914 when the war broke out, but he had never heard anything further about his application. "He had served for I'S months in the South African war. Mr Fookes: So the appellant cannot be regarded as a shirker. Mr McLaren: We don't suggest anything of the kind. Mr Perry said he did not think appellant's case was a strong one, considering that they were at the end of the dairying season.

Mr Fookes: Is your appeal a personal one, or is it an appeal in the interests of the company and l public interest? —It is in the interests of the company,

Mr McLaren pointed out that men of the appellant's experience in military work were the kind of men the country was in need of. The Board reserved its decision until the next sitting in Hawera. The appeal of George Pickering, dairy farmer, Haweral., adjourned! from the previous sitting for a report by the Efficiency Trustees, was called on. —The Board reserved its decision. .

The appeal of Richard Joseph Power, dairyman, Waitotara, a section 35 appeal, adjourned from the April sitting for the production of medical certificates as to the health of the appellant's mother and a younger brother, was reconsidered.

Mr O'Dea, for "the appellant, produced the certificates, which showed that the appellant's mother and her younger son were not in the best of healthMr Power, sen., in evidence, confirmed tiie statements contained in the medical certificates. He added that he had a large holding of 2500 acres)., and he required some assistance. He was unable to carry on the farm without the appellant. He had two sons at the front.

Mr Perry stated that there were many men in 'Mr Power's position who Were managing the farm with the assistance of only one son. The chairman said that the Board were of the opinion that the appellant should go, and the appeal was dismissed, leave being granted until June 24. Mr O'Dea said appellant desired to have his case referred to tho Wanganui Efficiency Trustees, who were familiar with his case.

The chairman said the Board had gone into appellant's " case pretty fully on three different occasions. As the Board had given its decision, any representations to the Efficiency Trustees' would now be a matter for t.lio Commandant to deal with. He had no objection to tha case being referred to the trustees.

Mr O'Dea said this would foe done. The Board's decision stands in the meanwhile.

The appeal of Aubrey Noel Thomas, whose appeal was adjo'urned from a previous sitting for a report from the Efficiency Board Trutsees, and for whom Mr Spratt appeared, was reconsidered. 'Appellant said he was quite willing to serve, hut owing to an injured knee" lie was doubtful whether - he could stand the training. If he were able to get away ho would make arrangements with the Efficiency Board to find a tenant for tho farm.

Mr Spratt said the appellant had served in the iSoutli African war.

The appeal was dismissed, appellant being granted leave until May 27, The appeal of Joliii Edward Smith, farmer, "Ngntinvera, which -was previously before the Eoany was further adjourned for a j'eport from tho Efficiency Trustees.

The appeal of .John Frederick Condon, farmer, Te Roti, was formally dismissed, appellant having gone into camp.

The appsal of Michael Condon (Mr O'Dea), brother of the previous appellant, was reconsidered. He said that he was now tho only one on the farm. He had another brother at the front. The Board reserved its decision sine die, provided npp;'"ant remains in his present position, and that his brother John remains in camp, appellant being granted suspension from military duties in the meanwhile.

Tho appeal of R. T. Carrion, driver, Okaiawa, was dismissed, appellant being granted leave until May 27.

Bernard McSwceney,. shearer, Toko, asked for time because of the state of his wife's health. Mr Powell appeared for tho appellant. Tile appeal was dismissed, leave being granted until May 27.

The appeal of James Paterson, sad!er. Paten, whose appeal has been several times before the Board, was again reconsidered.

Appellant said he had not been able'to dispose of his business, and there appeared to be very little prospect of his doing so. He had one man in his employment. . Appellant .produced a letter from a traveller saying that) he had been unable to find a purchaser for the business. Tho ffoard reserved its deel-. sion.

The appeal of John Sheahan, farmer,