ALLEGED SHIRKERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 April 1918, Page 2

ALLEGED SHIRKERS.

THE CASES OF TOLE AND LAIDLAW. , In discussing the reinforcements question in the House of Representatives members have asked the Defence Minister as to reservists, alleging that they were shirking duty under the open eye.* of the Defence Department. The names of 'Pole and Laidlaw, of Auckland, were mentioned. Sir James Allen made statements to the House on Monday in regard to these cases. In respect to the case of Tole, Sir James said that this reservist had appealed on the grounds o» undue hardship, and, having regard to the whole circumstances of the case, the board granted an indefinite adjournment. The matter had been referred to the Vinaiifisi.l Assistance Board, and as it appeared possible that the board could! grant suflicient relief to Tole's dependents the Military Service Board had been asked to reopen his case, i In regard to the case of Laidlaw, Sir James said lie was one of three brothers, two of whom had lost their lives at the front. Under the Act he would be exempted on these grounds. A member: "He did not appeal on those grouuds."

Sir James added that' the National Efficiency ,Doard to whom Laidlaw's case had been referred, had given the ease very serious consideration. He read a lengthy report from the board giving reasons for the exemption.

Another member: "Very slippery excuses."