FIGHTING FAMILIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 May 1918, Page 7

FIGHTING FAMILIES.

EIGHT SOLDIER BROTHERS. Two good family records in connection with the war were mentioned at the sitting of the Palmers top Military Service Board, says the Standard. Private D. Craig, of the l.'ew Zealand Medical Corps, iiwdn application for leave. He stated that he had made one trip on a hospital ship, and had seven brothers at the front. , One had; gone from New Zealand, one from Australia, and the others from Scotland. There were eight boys in the family. Decision was reserved. Gunner A. Horrobin, of Weraroa, and Gunner 0. Horrobin, of Ohau, applied for extension of leave. Gunner A. Horrobin stated that he was back ou furlough, and would withdraw his application for extension of leave if his brother was granted exemption. In that case he would be willing to return to camp at any time. They had eome home to wind up their father's estate. Four other brothers were at the front, two of whom were married, and the only members of the family at home were their wives. Since appellant returned he had found that his father had left a will to which.appellant's stepmother objected, and she was endeavoring to have it set aside. It might be possible to have the matter settled privately by getting the eonsent of the brothers at the front, and that consent had been written for. Appellant had disposed of his farm at Levin, and was willing to go back to camp. His brother, who was now appealing, had had 3£ years' service, and he did not think it was too much to ask that he get exemption. His brother had two farms, both of which were leased, and the lease of one of them explred'in June. It was the brothers who were away who desired their brother, Gunner Otto Horrobin, to get exemption. The chairman said they must both know the necessity foremen at the front. They had had tho advantage of considerable military training. Mr. D. McLaren said that the board could not grant a discharge; the most it could do was to grant indefinite leave. The board reserved its decision.