MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 May 1917, Page 6

MILITARY SERVICE BOARD.

HAWERA APPEALS. The First Wellington Military Appeal Board (Messrs J). A. Cooper, chairman, D. McLaren, and W. Perry) continued its sittings at Hawera yesterday. There were also present Captain Walker (military representative) and .Major Cox (officer commanding No. S group). STUD SHEEP BREEDER'S DIFFICULTY. •Bernard R, Cleland, farmer, Kaponga (Mr. J. L. Stanford) appealed on tlie grounds of public interest and undue hardship. Appellant, "\vTio" was aged 31, stated he had six brothers, four of them bein<? single. Of these, three had enlisted. Ap* pellant was in .partnership with his brother Arthur, who was now in ramp, on ">ls acres freehold and also 122 acres leased from his brother Thomas, now in tamp. Appellant was attorney For "both. They had over 700 .pure-bred ]ioin.*r sheep, and also ran about 300 head nf cattle. He had just sent 100 head to the works. Tie also looked after his brother' Tom's place of 141 acres, and lived with his mother, a widow, who also owned a freehold farm of 1(12 acres on the Palmer Road, which was leased with three years to run. His other single brother fanned at Hurimoana, beyond Whangamomona, on 3700 acres of bush country, in .partnership with his marked brother and another brother, now in camp. Another brother had 1000 acres beyond Toko. Appellant could expect'no assitance from his brothers, whose hands were full. If he went into camp he would 'have to dispose of his stud 'Hods, which had taken 10 years to build up. He would ai; , have to sell his farm, as he would not entertain the idea of a manager, having his brothers' interests to consider.

To Captain Walker: His brothers ran 5500 sheep, and, except at shearing time, did not employ any labor. He did not kiioff whether his brother would appeal. One brother was drawn in the ballot, but did not appeal. To Mr. McLaren: There were plenty of married men who could leave their wives and families as well oIT as single men could perhaps leave their mothers and sisters. He had made no enquiries, for a manager, as he left it to the' Appeal Board to say whether he should stay or go and sell his farm. He had turned off about 130.fat cattle each year as well as wool. He did all his own shearing. They were exempting shearers, and appellant could shear with anyone. Sir. McLaren: The question is whether the needs of the Empire are not so great that we should send every single man. To the chairman: There were no financial difficulties in the way of his going. Decision was reserved. Later the Board stated that its decision would bo reserved until July 24, when the case would be reconsidered. The Board intimated that it expected appellant to make an effort to obtain a manager. A NGAERE APPEAL. John p.inicl Rowe, dairy farmer, Ngaere (Mr. Weir), appealed on the grounds of public interest and undue hardship. He deposed that he was aged 2!) and married. He milked 40 cows on 113 acres leasehold, with compulsory purchasing clause. He had three brothers on active service, three married, one under age, and one in the first division who milked 80 cows en shares with the assistance of a hoy. He had five sisters, but none were able to assist him.

To Captain Walker: His young brother ivas assisting his father farming at Tauranga. Appellant took up the place just before the war. He had not considered share-milkers, who were scarce. He preferred to sell his cows. Captain Walker read a list of advertisements showing that share-milkers could be got. , Decision was reserved. Later the. Board fiitimated that decision would be reserved until the first sitting held in Hawera during July. They expected him to endeavor to obtain a man to take his place.

SUPERVISION REQUIRED Samuel Arthur Tippett, dairy farmer, Okaiawa (Mr J. Foy) appealed on the grounds of public interest and undue hardship. Appellant was aged 32, single, and ivas farming 99 acres leasehold with Compulsory purchasing clause. He milked •13 cows by machines, without any assistance save that of a lad of 14 employed in the Okaiawa -post office, who helped him in the mornings, but was being transferred. Appellant was batching. It 'was a farm that needed careful handling, and appellant did not know of anyone he could get to manage it. He had three married brothers; one, who was in the first division, was a butter-maker at Normanb}'. Appellant and his brother had botl'l volunteered two years ago, but were rejected. To Captain SS r alker: He had taken up the lease six years ago. Last season appellant was ill anil got one of his brothers to look after the place. It was appellant's idea to have left his brother in cliargo had he been accepted when he volunteered, but witness found that his brother could not manage the place on his own. If someone would be responsible to look after his farm appellant would be willing to go. Ho did not mind sacrificing his life, but he did not wish to sacrifice the hard work he had put in. The chairman pointed out that the Trustee Board would give the necessary Assistance.

Appellant stated that if they were willing to take the responsibility he wag willing to go. The appeal was dismissed, Captaini Walker undertaking to obtain leave until June 27, to enable appellant to arrange with the Trustees. AN ISOLATED CHEESE FACTORY. John Cook, elieese factory manager, To Popo, Midhirat, appealed on the grounds of public'interest and undue hardship. 'He stated that he was aged 31, and ran the Te Popo, a small one vat factory, without assistance. The factory had just hecn*running one season. To Captain Walker: Prior to this season it was a creamery of the Midhfvst Company. The nearest creamery was four miles distant. There were eight suppliers. and the furthest would have eight miles to drive if this were closed down. The roads were very hilly. Appellant was previously assistant at a ehccse factory. He knew experts 'in the ehcese business were scared.

John William Gibbs, a supplier, stated that he wanted to make a straight appeal to the Board. They could not supply Midhirst, which had turned them down because the creamery did not .pay. If the factory was cloud down it would

mean ruin for a. number of small far iners in the district.

To Captain Walker: If the factory was closed down there was only one man that could supply Midhirst, as the others could not get there in time, the road being slow and unfit l'or motor waggons. Mr. Cool; had guaranteed to stay another year. If they lost him they would probably be unable to get [mother manager. It would cut those Sarmers out of business. Captain Walker: Have you considered the effect of the cutting oil of shipping! —Yes. Mr. McLaren said the attitude of tome people appeared to be their own interests first, the couhtry next, anil the. Kmpiro last. Decision was reserved until the next sitting at Ilawtra. A PIHAMA CASE. Allan Campbell, dairy farmer, Piliama, (Sir. Weir) appealed on the grounds of public interest and undue hardship. Samuel Campbell, father and employer of appellant, deposed that he owned SUO Here-:, on which he carried 180 dairy cows, 200 dry stock, and 100 sheep, p'f these, 75 cows were milked by hand by share-milkers, and the other 105 were milked by machines by appellant and a wages man, who had been drawn in the ballot and was not appealing. Before the war he had four boys and a shareinilker on the farm. One boy was killed at tile Somme, another was in France, and a married .son, who was milking between 80 and 00 cows at Opunake, was called up in the ballot. Another single son milked 00 cows with sharemilkers on the Waiteaka Road. Witness was a widower and unlit to do any farm work. Witness had 274 acres additional to look after, as trustee for a nephew. Witness hail three daughters at home, one being at school. Witness had been improving and building up his herd for 25 years. His cows, which included GO heifers, averaged £lu per head. If he lost his son and wages man he would have to sell out and graze or shut the gates. Two of the biggest suppliers to the -Piliama Dairy Company had already sold their herds, and if witness sold out they would lose one-third of the supply. ' Appellant corroborated his father's evidence. Decision was reserved sine die, with the usual conditions. A PATRIOTIC PRODUCER. Robert Cookson, dairy farmer, Kaupokonui, whose employer (Sh'. E. R. Flastie) also appealed, deposed that he was aged 2!) and single. He was managing a dairy farm of 3SO acres at Kaupokonni, on which he milked 200 eons in the flush by machines, with the assistance of three hoys. To Captain Walker: Sir. Wastie's son was aged IS, and the other bovs about Hi. Appellant was not a shirker, hut wanted to do the best that could be done. Witness had a mate working with him, hut some time ago they tossed a coin, and it fell to his mate's lot to goodwill R. TTastie deposed that lie also owned 450 acres in the Clevedon district. Auckland, where he was fattening stock, and spent his time between the two places. Appellant had been 4',', years in his employ. Appellant's place would be difficult to fill. When the Government asked for extra production, witness last year broke in 210 heifers anil commenced to milk. He intended to milk 230 <ows this year. He would not have asked for exemption but for being asked to produce. After lunch, the Board announced tliat the appeal would be. dismissed, leave being granted until June 27. ALREADY IN CAMP Michael Landers, farmer, Kaupokonui (Sir. O'Dea) applied for exemption for his son, Private John Joseph Landers, aged 25, who had voluntarily gone into camp. Francis, aged 21, had voluntarily gone into camp at the same time. Laurence, aged 23, had enlisted twelve months ago, when lie was turned down. Fie then married. On being drawn in the ballot ho went into camp without appeal. His sons had milked (10 cows on their farm of 1'27 acres. Witness liad rheumatics', and could not possibly carry on the farm with the assistance of his only single daughter. He had no accommodation for share-milkers.

Captain Walker pointed out that only temporary exemption could be allowed. Mr. O'Dea asked that this should be made as long as possible. lie quite realised that sooner or later all single would have to go into camp, irre ■> spective of their position. The .Board ifeeideil to recommend that leave be granted until July 2-1, provided appellant returns to his father's farm meantime. The Board drew attention to the fact that the country had been put to considerable expense in training this recruit, and for that reason hoped his father would make an effort to obtain someone to take his -place. A SHEARING EXPERT. Donald McKay Smith;, shearer and farmer, Taurakawa, appealed on the grounds of public interest and undue hardship. He was 24 years of nge, single. He had a farm of 1800 acres, and carried 1200 sheep and 30 cattle. Appellant's partner had gone to the front nine months ago, anil appellant was on the farm by himself. He had tried, but could not arrange to get a a manager. He hail two brothers, one aged 18, a casiial farm laborer, and another at school. His father, who had experience at farming, resided in Stratford.

To Captain Walker: It might bo possible for his father anil brother to run the farm, which was a rough one. There was the sheafing to consider. Witness did the shearing for the district .and was teaching two other lads. To M». Perry: His total tally was, 7100 sheep shorn last year. Decision was reserved. ' A SHEEP FARMER'S CASE. .Tolm Edward Smith, farmer, Ngutuwera, whose appeal was adjourned since last sitting, stated that the circumstances had not altered. He had been unable to get labor. He had not asked ihis neighbor (Mr. Allen), for the simple reason that Mr. Allen had to look after his own place. Other neighbors were in the same position. Appellant was on the place by himself. A man was required on the place all the time in tin winter, when the creeks were liable to ilood. Decision was reserved. A STRATFORD CARE. The appeal of Patrick John Breen, farmer, Stratford (Mr. Rutherford), which was adjourned oil March 10 sine die, was again brought forward at the lequest of the military authorities. Appellant. whose evidence was taken previously, stated that he had brothers aged 22 and 17* years studying at Mos-

geil college- for the priesthood. ThCte was no one but witness to do the farm work. Occasionally his mother assisted with the stripping. To the chairman: His mother was a good farmer, and always managed the farm. His brother could not stand the work, as the climate did not suit inra. To Mr. McLaren: They were trying in sell the farm. Appellant was anxious to serve bis country, and was appealing for his mother's sake. Mr. McLaren pointed out that there had been instances this sitting where sij; brothers had gone to tbo front, and here were three brothers and so far none ht>l gone. tr Decision was reserved. A REHEARING GRANTED. William Swann, dairy farmer, Warwick Road, Stratford, applied for a rehearing, on the- grounds of undue hardship. Ife stated that he did not appear in Fobruary because he understood lie was not passed as fit. The chairman pointed out that appellant had previously asked for leave until the end of April, and he had therefore already had more than he asked. Appellant stated that he had been unable to sell his farm or obtain labor.

To. Captain Walker: In discussing the matter with his wife he had come to the conclusion that the Efficiency Board would have to look after the farm and I-is wife's interest therein. He had taken up the farm about nine months ago. He had not yet approached the Efficiency Board. * The appeal was dismissed, Captain Walker undertaking to obtain leave uniil June 27. A SPLENDID EXAMPLE. Decision was given in the case of Geo. Ritchie, farmer, Jlanutalii, whose case was heard some time ago. Appellant, who was medical boarded 81, was married. This was one of four brothers who had been share milking, and since the war (wo had volunteered and one had been drawn in the ballot, and on his appeal being heard oil Friday it was decided that he should go into camp, and that the present appellant's appeal should be determined <his sitting, so as to enable his employer to arrange for sharemilking next season. If exempted, appellant would take on the herd again, but the cows would be reduced from 100 to 80. and he would run the farm witli the- assistance of his mother, his wife and his brother's wife. The board considered this was a splendid case, and decision was reserved sine die, subject to the usual conditions.

A QUESTION OF PUBLIC INTEREST In the case of Louis Schieder, farmer, Inglewood (Mr. O'Dea), heard on December 20, anil decision resc-rved until April 30. appellant stated that he wa= milking 17 cows, and would be milking 25 cows next season. His two brothers would not appeal when drawn. The appeal was dismissed, leave being granted until July 24. A MILKING MACHINE EXPERT. The Treloar Milking Machine Company (Mr. Weir) applied for exemption for James Richard Tidily, a voluntary reeryit.

.T. Tidil, secretary to the company, gave, evidence that the recruit was their expert in charge of a district ranging from Waverley to New Plymouth. Thev only had six 'men engaged over a very scattered district and could not replace the recruit, for whom they would like exemption until the end of September. To Captain Walker: It was the company's appeal, not his. The board decided to recommend leave until July 25, subject to the usual conditions f 1 UNDER THE AGE. George SYilliam Were, farm assistant, Toko (Sir. T. C. Fookes) appealed on llie ground that he was not a reservist. He submitted a birth certificate, which •bowed that he- would not be 20 until September next. The appeal was allowed. TIME GRANTED. The following appellants who applied for time to make necessary arrangements, were granted leave until June £7:—Herbert Horace Rogers, _ dairy farmer, Stratford; Henry McKay, dairy farmer, Fraser road, Hawera (this appellant appealed for exemption, but afterwards amended his appeal). ADJOURNMENTS, ETC. In the appeal of Clias. Edward Trott, dairy farmer, Kltham, classed 82, who applied for leave until June 110, as appellant Ims to be re-examined in June, he will thus obtain the leave required.

The appeals of K. A. Carmichael, dairy farmer, !Kakaramea; Alfred Noel Brown, cheesemaker, Kapuni, and George K Brooking, factory manager, Tutiitowa. were further adjourned till next sitting, as the board was not prepared to deal with them.

■ In the adjourned appeal of Patrick Calhighan, farmer Ngaere (Mr. Truby King), appellant stated that his brother was still in France. Appellant was -r.ilking 30 cows and understood that the Efficiency Board had reported on his case. The board reserved its decision to July 24, subject to the usual conditions. WITHDRAWN AND DISSIISSED. The following appeals were withdrawn and formally dismissed, appellants having been medical boarded C2. Albert William sheep farmer, Opunake-: Henl'v Larkins, sawmill hand, Pohoknra; Geo. Stephen Westfold, dairy farmer, Auroa; John Edward Griffiths Jones, farmer. Midhirst (employer's appeal); Jas Horn, late miner, now motor driver, Kaponga; William Donaldson, farm manager, Toko (also employer's appeal); John William Moody, farmer, Matau; -Reginald Bridge, bank manager, Kafonga (application for-exemption till July 1). A REHEARING.

Frederick Gawith, dairy farmer, Hawera (Mr. Spratt) asked for a rehearing of his appeal, which had been dismissed cn March 17, for non-appearance. He stated that he was farming 113 acres in two sVparate farms, on which he milked 31) cows. He had put his farms in the hands of ten different agents in various parts. (Left Sitting).