MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 May 1917, Page 6

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

• SITTING AT NEW PLYMOUTH. A sitting of the First Wellington Military Service Board ' (Messrs. D. G. A Cooper, chairman; W. I'crry and D. McLaren) was held in the jury room of the Court House yesterday. ■ Captain Walker, military representative, and Major Cox, officer in command of the group, were also presenr, AN APPRECIATIVE RESERVIST. \ Mr. J. E. Wilson appeared for Ohudleigh Imvood Kirton, farmer, Urtiti, whose appeal had been adjourned from a previous sitting, and asked leave to withdraw the appeal, as the time granted by the Board had been sufficient to enable him to fix hij business arrangements and he was going into camp at the end of the month. ■ The chairman said he was pleased matters had been fixed up. THE ONUS ON THE GOVERNMENT. Jas George Martin, farm manager, Pukearuhe, appealed on the ground of public interest and undue hardship. Mr. Bennett appeared for appellant and his father, .T. W. H. Martin, who was his einployer. J. W. H. Martin gave evidence that his family consisted of three sons and one daughter. His second son, Thos. H. Martin, was in camp, and the other son, aged fifteen, had just left school. He employed his son on his own farm of 550 acres and an adjoining farm of 500 acres, which witness was controlling for Private Farmer, now at the front. Witness milked between 50 and CO cows by machines and carried about 400 sheep on his own farm and from 300 to 350 sheep on Private Farmer's property. Witness was making the appeal, his son being anxious to go to tha front. Appellant did the milking, assisted.by his sister and his brother, whom witness had to take away from school. Owin& to the hilly nature of the country both farms required men"with knowledge and used to dogs. There was liability to slips on Private Farmer's property. Witness relied on appellant for this special knowledge. At the commence ment of the war Private Farmer asked him to look after the farm. Witness, after a good deal of consideration, decided to do so as Private Farmer had decided it throw it up if he did not. Witness got no remuneration for doing ■this. If appellant had to go to the war witness eould not continue to look after

this farm and would hfj,ve to cut down his dairying. Witness would do his best to carry on with his own sheep. No labor was available in thfe district, and he eould not replace appellant. Witness considered that appellant was under an obligation to stay here end he wished to place the responsibility of sending him on the Military Service Board. Witness had twice volunteered for the front but was rejected on account of his age. To Captain Walker: Witness considered that he was fit enough to go to the front. His other son enlisted in September but was delayed until March. Witness supplied a cheese factory and did practically no cropping. It would not be possible for witness and bis young son to look After the two farms. Neither farm was securely fenced. Appellant did the shearing. Witness as--sisted in the general farm work except the shearing. There was plenty of Maori labor available for shearing, but with all due respect he would not like ,to sec them in his shed. They were pretty rough. There were some very good shearers among the Maoris, jf his son took ill witness would carry on both farms somehow, but lie had quite up his mind if his son went to the front to put the onus of carrying on Private Farmers' farm on the Government. He did not -think the returns from Mr. Farmer's property would warrant the Government putting a man on the farm. At the time he enlisted witness had made it clear to Mr. Fanner that sooner or later his own sons might go to the war. On his own farm be would probably go in for sheep or grazing. Ho had considered very seriously the difficulties "Si connection with shipping.

HJr. McLaren said that the intention of the Act was that, all men of the first reserve should go before the second division was drawn on. Mr. Bennett stated that all witness asked was that his son should be givenleave sine die until the end of the First Division. Decision was reserved, Mr. A. C. Lawrv undertaking to give particulars as to Mr, Farmer's finances. The statement was later handed in. After luncheon the chairman stated that in the opinion of the Board the young man ought to go, and the appeal would be dismissed, Captain Walker undertaking to obtain leave until June 26.

Mr. Bennett then asked for three months leave to enable Mr. Martin to complete a metalling contract which lie had from i the Clifton County Council. Mr. Martin and his son were only able to work at the job at low tide, as the stone had to be obtained from the beach. This metalling was a matter of importance to the district. Efforts had 'been made to get other contractors to take up the contract, but without success. The chairman said it was a pity this matter had not been mentioned earlier, Mr. Bennett said a Bine die adjournment. The chairman: You should always anticipate the worst. Mr. Martin ask'ed for an extension of time until after the shearing, stating that he would then be able to continue looking after Mr. Farmer's property. He had had considerable correspondence with tho Department',, as took up the attitude that it was not right to send all our young men away, and that was the reason why ho had offered to enlist himself. Tho chairman said that Maori shearers were available. Mr. Martin said there were none in his district. He also cited Awakino, where there were no shearers left in the district.

Mr. Perry said that the shearing of Mr. Farmer's 300 sheep would be a mere bagatelle if lie eould arrange to get liis own sheep shorn. Mr. Martin explained that he took tho metalling contract 13 months ago, but was delayed waiting for the crusher. That should be in the district in a fortnight and, given fine weather, six weeks should complete the work. Air. McLaren said appellant could piake representations to the National Efficiency Board. The chairman said that the local body would have to give assistance in regard to the metal contract. The extension was not granted. AN INGLEWOOD APPEAL. Perrival George McEwen, dairy farm-' er, Piakau, Inglewood, also appealed on the ground of public interest and undue hardship. Appellant stated that ho was aged 37, single. His farm was. 350 acres leasehold and was by witness and hit brothar, who was noiiqa IJu farm. - _) .•Zt&sSfc.'*,, fi '

'They milked 37 cows and had just, installed machines. They carried a few young stock. Two hundred acres of bush were fallen but only 20 acres were stumped. His brother was aged 38 and single. Appellant had seven other brothers, two' in the boot trade in New Plymouth, two away on active service, two were farming on the Carrington Road and one was married and resided at Feilding. He asked for leave until the end of June to, enable them to complete live acres of stumping for cropping purposes. Leave was granted until May 2,9. ' A PATRIOTIC FAMILY. Regd. Huia Gordge (Mr. F. E. Wilson), grocer's assistant, New Plymouth, appealed on the grourids of.undue hardship and asked, for three months' leave.

Appellant deposed that he was aged '23, and had two brothers and four sisters. One. brother was in France and the other brothen had been to the front and was now in Rotorua Hospital. Appellant had volunteered just after the war broke out, but was turned down. Witness' father attended to the shop at Vogeltown and appellant did all the buying, the outside work, and the delivery, which was extensive. Appellanthad relied on his brother taking his place, but as his brother would not be jable to do so for several months, he wanted time to allow his father to dispose of the business or the stock. To the chairman: They had been keeping the store for eight years. Leave was granted until July 24. IN THE SECOND RESERVE. Oscar Arthur McDonald, laborer, New Plymouth, appealed on the gr; 's that ho was a "reservist of the Bec<.;:d Division. He produced his marriage certificate showing that he ,was married in appeal was allowed. ' A FAIR PROPOSITION. y

D. J. S. Mcßeau, farmer, Ngatimaru, whose case had been heard at a previous Bitting but was adjourns- for a report from the Efficiency Board, was the next appellant. In reply to the chairman appellant said that he had made no effort to get a manager because the place could not afford to pay the wages asked, £5 or £6 per week. Appellant could earn £8 per week himself if he returned to Gisborne. One brother was at the front and one on final leave. To Mr. McLaren: Appellant had offered to sell his place to the Government at a fair valuation. He did not think it right that he should lose his 15 years' hard work. His brother in camp was interested in the place. If he went to the war his stock would have to be sold anil the place would go back. He thought that the country, which was to have the benefit of his services, thould take the farm over at a fair valuation. It had paid its way this year, Decision reserved sine die, and appellant to report monthly. AN OKATO CASE. Patrick O' Sullivan, dairy farmer, Okato (Mr. A. H. Johnstone) appealed on the grounds of public interest and undue hardship. Mr. Johnstone pointed out that under Section 3a appellant and his brother, Lawrence, iiad appealed and the case of Lawrence was dismissed and that of appellant adjourned sine die providing he reported monthly. Appellant had now been drawn in the ballot, but no change had occurred in the circumstances.

Captain Walker: Except a more ipsistcnt demand for men! Appellant deposed tha: his brother had gone into camp on March 30 and was now ijn final leave. To telaptain Walker: They would milK 90 cows next year also. They had tried to get share milkers but sharemilkers did not suit unless some one was over them.—Decision reserved. Tho Board later intimated that decision would he reserved sine die, appellant to report monthly to the group officer. MEN BEFORE PRODUCTION. ■ John Aylward, farm assistant, Warca (Mr. A. I-i. Johnstone). This appeal had also been adjourned from last sitting so that the Efficiency Board could- forward a report. Mr. Johnstone drew the Board's attention to the evidence ' given by Mr. Burgess at the last sitting, when he stated that reliable labor was unobtainable, and that it was impossible for one man to manage Mr. Aylward's farms. Nor were, share-milkers satisfactory. Mr. McLaren said that that position did not tally with tho report received from the Efficiency Board, which showed tbat certain labor was available.--Mr. conceded that labor could be obtained, but, lie asked, would it 'be of a -permanent nature? He could perhaps rob another man of his labor by offering higher wages, but in any case the labor would not be efficient as his own son.

Mr. McLaren said the Efficiency 'Board advised that share-milkers were available.

Mr. Johnstone: Yes, but there was the risk that they would not remain the season, unless there was some Government compulsion. Mr. Perry thought they 'would stay the season on account of the bonus. Mr. Johnstone said tbat one of the commonest law suits in Taranaki was on account of share-milkers leaving in the middle of the season. Often the very smallest dispute was seized as an opportunity to set at large an agreement. The owner dare not go near the I shed for fear his share-milkers might | take offence and leave. Tho position might not be so bad at the present time on account of the value of the bonus. Mr. 'McLaren: Do you suggest that -because this occurs in some instances men should be kept from the firing line'.' We have been told by Sir James Allen recently that the first and most essential thing is men for. active service. That must come before production. Mr. Johnstone: If that is so, it is not much value for me to put forward the plea of public interest, The position was whether appellant's father was to carry on the farm or not. He noticed that dairying had been classed in the first division of essential industries. Mr. McLaren said that farmers were taking up the attitude that share-milk-ing was not satisfactory. In some, cases that might be so. But at present everyone had to run some risk, and the farming community would have to take their full share, as, indeed, he believed they were doing. Mr. Johnstone said that men had gone to the front in scores from that district, and appellant, who wished to go also, felt his position, in having to appeal, as humiliating. Decision was given later, when the chairman said that the Board had decided to reserve its until July -27, when the case would be again considered. The Board also wished it understood that efforts should be made to obtain share-milkersi, and that if: was grobable appellant would bave to go to

cainp before the second division was called up. COULD NOT SPAKE HER SON. Hector Alexander Herdman, farm laborer, New Plymouth, appealed on the greund of undue hardship. His mother, Mrs. E. A. Herdman, a widow, engaged as a house-keeper, appeared for appellant, who was unable to appear owing to ill-health. Witness stated her son was aged 20, a plasterer by trade, but had lately taken up farming. He was appealing out of consideration for witness. She had five sons, one aged 22 had been to the front and returned, two aged 15 and 12 were at school, and one aged 18 was working on a farm. When at bis trade her son earned 15s per day.' To' tlie Chairman: Witness did not think that she could spare her son.

Mr. McLaren said' the circumstances were hard, but cases had come before the Board where mothers had given five or six of their sons. Witness said that she knew of families where there were five or six sons and none had gone. .. The Chairman: They will be caught yet! Witness said that she did not want to take her boy away from school, as be had got his proficiency certificate and withed to go on to the "technical school. The chairman pointed out that in a previous case a witness had taken his boy from school to help on the farm. To further questioning, witness stated that her son, who had returned was on a farm witfli a friend. He had -not applied for a pension, us he expected to get better, but be did not appear to be improving. He came home during last year.

The Chairman remarked that; the six months during which he could apply for a pension had apparently elapsed. Ho said that the' Board sympathised with witness, but the appeal would have to be dismissed. !

.Witness said 4 that sympathy would not feed her noJ her children. She had given one son and would not give another. Did the decision mean that her boy would have to go into camp unless she fotmd some other method? ,THE MEAN'I.YiG OF'SECTION 35. S The appeals of William Iledley, motor engineer, and Albert Hedlej", driver, both of New Plymouth, called up under section 3(3, were tben taken. William Hedley stated he v/as not appealing against going to the front, Irut because he ""was included under section 35. He could have been at the front two years ago had be been 'wanted. Captain Walker said that had the Department been aware that William Hedley had offered his services in the motor transport, motor mechanic, or motor patrol, be would not have been included in section 35. There were, -bowever two other brothers.

The chairman stated that as appellant- was included under section 35 by mistake, the appeal eould be withdrawn.

Appellant said lie was quite willing to go into camp as soon as he was drawn iu the ballot.

The Chairman: Don't misunderstand me, Your appeal is withdrawn, and of course you go into camp. Capt. Walker said that appellant was attested in February and his name would not be in the'Fallot. He had rather toad the advantage because since he wrote his letter in December he had missed several ballots.

Mr. McLaren said that appellant had read something in the section that did not exist. Section 35 merely provided that -where there were two or more brothers fit for service t'hey could be called up under this section. It never said a word about not having enlisted. Unfortunately people bad read into it something that did not exist, and it was called the "shirkers' section" but he emphasised the fact that this was not so. Indeed, it was a distinct advantage to have the eases of several brothers taken together.. Appellant said he would not withdraw his appeal. 'J'he Chairman: Your only ground of appeal is that you were wrongly ineluded in section 3t5, and as that is no ground of appeal if you don't withdraw it it will be dismissed.

Appellant: I withdraw tha appeal. I would not have been here now if they would have taken me.

Albert Hedley, driver, aged 27, stated lie enlisted hi October, 1010, and was passed as unfit, receiving his exemption badge. He was also called to Hawera for medical examination in January and deferred for three months

Majrir Cox said that ho would be examined before the Medical Board at New Plymouth on Friday. Adjourned to the next sitting at New Plymouth.

A BACKBLOCKS DOCTOR. Dr. Leslie Hutton Whetter, surgeon,, Inglcwood (Mr. Bcniiet), appealed on the grounds of public interest and unduo hardship. . Mr. Bonnet said appellant (}id not desire to evade service, but he was concerned as to which ,vas his greater obligation—to remain and do his duty towards the patients in the back -country, or to go to the front, and lio wished the Board to decide which was his greater duty.

Dr. Whetter stated that he had purchased his practice three and a half years ago. He had twice endeavored to obtain locum tenens so that he could go to the front, but had been unsuccessful. His district extended from Inglcwood to the Auckland boundary, about W) miles, and was a hard district to work, mostly horse-back and motorcycle. Within fifteen miles of the town a motor car could be used. There were two other medical men in lnglewood, but lie did not think they could cope with the work of the backblocks. There was r.ot medical man at Wbangamomona, Dr. Hitchcock (being killed at the front. There were two doctors at Stratford, as against four before the war, and their hands were full. Last year lie had fl(!7 patients, practically all country patients.

To Capt. Walker: There had been some talk of a petition to retain services, but lie rather put his foot on this. ITe quite understood if called up lie would go as a medical man. Mr, McLaren said that it was a mattor of common knowledge that the supply of doctors was shortened ably.To the chairman: He was not in cliarge of any hospital. The case was adjourned until next sitting. FURTHER ADJOURNMENTS. In tiho case of Richard Abraham. Warner, Tataraimaka, whose case was adjourned from the sittings of the court on January 30th, appellant stated that there was no change in his circumstances aiiicQ then. Ho was a married * -

man witl a child three weeks old. He had a voutli of 17 011 the place. To Capt. Walker: Appellant had one single brother, who was drawn in the last ballot'., but was nearly blind, and was now under the care of'a Wanganm doctor. Appellant had tried to sell the place. Ho had no objection to serve in non-combatant work, either in the ambulance or A.S.C. Decision was resorted until next sitting. The case of Percy Ballantyne Sole, dairy farmer, Brixton (Mr. A.'ljl. Johnstone) which had been adjourned from last sitting for a report , from the Efficiency Board, was further adjourned until next sitting owing to the information not being available. DISMISSED OH WITHDRAWN. The following cases were dimsiased.. appellants not 1 appearing:—William Hicks, farmer, XJrcnui, whom it was stated had gone to camp; Joseph Edward Taylor, farm hand, Egmont Village; Joseph Buchanan, bush man, Rerekapa, whose employer, Mr. Sliultz, also appealed; Michael Kelly, farmer, Warea. In tile case of Winter John Hutching*, clerks, New Plymouth, for whom the New Zealand Express Company appealed, ill 1 . Young, local manager of the company, appeared and withdrew bis appeal, tie case being struck out. The following appeals were struck out, the appellants having been medicalboarded 02:— Lars Jacobsen, farmer, JCgatoro, Inglcwood; Lawrence fiopperth, farmer, Kaimiro • C'ourtenay Cbas. Kyiigilon, contractor, Xjeiv Plymouth; Henry David Collins, Tataraimaka; Edward Olive Julian, farnicil. Warea; Harold Symons, farmer, .Pungarehu; • Frank Cornev, dairy farmer, Piakau, Inglewood; Cyril Norman McKoy, blacksmith, New Plymouth.