MILITARY APPEAL BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 June 1918, Page 7

MILITARY APPEAL BOARD.

SKE DIE CASES RE-HEARD. A sitting of the No-1 Wellington District Military Appeal Board (Messrs D. G- A. Cooper, S.M., chairman, YV. Perry, and D. M'Larcn) was held at the New Plymouth courthouse yesterday, when a number of sine die cases were brought up for re-hearing- Major Cox, O.C. Hawera Group, was present, and, in the absence of Captain Walker, acted as military representative. A CLERK OF THE COURT In the case of W. H. Freeman, clerk of the court at Eltham and Stratford, Mr. A- Crooke, S.M., said that the position was now the same as it was in January, when the appeal was adjourned. The aippea.l was again adjourned sine die. BOROUGH ELECTRICAL MATTERS. In the appeal of William Henry Huggett,' New Plymouth, Mr. J. H Quilliam, acting for the New Plymouth Borough Council, stated that in February last a complete investigation had been made into the circumstances, and the appeal was adjourned sine die. Since then there had been no alteration whatever in the conditions, but he could say that the I council had made strenuous efforts to] replace this reservist. They had advertised extensively, hod communicated with nine electrical supply authorities throughout New Zealand, and had heard of no one really suitable. The council was endeavoring to arrange with an applicant to come for three months, and was agreeable to pay both his and Huggert's salary for that term. If he proved suitaible, Huggett's appeal would be withdrawn- The council would not appeal for anyone beside the electrical engineer and Huggett. Felix T. Bellringer, town clerk, gave particulars of the endeavors that had been made to fill appellant's place. In' response to advertisements they received three applications, one of whom might prove suitaible. Besides advertising, they had approached various supply companies, and the Mayor had made inquiries. ' To Major Cox: Six of the electrical department had already been called. Mr. Bartley was capable of doing all the work that the reservist was asked to do, but he was in charge of two very important departments, and if he had to attend to detail work his utility to the council would be to a large extent lost. To Mr. MTiaren: They had asked applicants to state salary required owing to the peculiar circumstances, the position only being a temporary one, as it was being kept open for flie reservist. Decision was reserved In the appeal by the Borough Council on behalf of Russell Howard Bartley, electrical and tramway manager, Mr. J. H. Quilliam stated that the circumstances had not changed since the appeal Wad been first heard.

Mr- Beflringer stated that, in response to advertisements, the council had received seven applications, but only one appeared likely to be suitable. This applicant, who was engaged in a similar position, required a twelve months' engagement and a salary of £IOO, in addition to his present salary of £450. The other applicants ranged from shed foremen up. Replying to Mr. M'Laren, witness staied that, in the event of Mr. Bartley being turned down, the council would be in the position of having two electrical engineers for 12 months. Mr Mlaren considered that the conditions asked by the applicant were reasonable, and that the council must be prepared to make some sacrifice To Major Cox: The present applicant might,be quite .unsuitable for the position. All witness knew was that he occupied a somewhat similar position elsewhere. Decision was reserved.'

A CKGKHAIi TRIAL. In the case of John Ambrose Heskett, metallurgist, New Plymouth, Mr. W. J. Penn, chairman of the New Zealand Iron Ore Smelting Company, stated that the company did. mot propose to appeal for the reservist, -who was their metallurgical engineer, ibut they asked that the appeal should be adjourned for a month. Within the next four or five weeks a crucial trial of a. new furnace and machinery was to be made, and if that proved successful the company might appeal further, and if it proved a failure there would probably be no further appeal. The company regarded it as essential that appellant should be present at the trial. To the board: The data on which the trial could be made depended upon the arrival of coke from Westport, and shipping at present was rather uncertain. To Major Cox: The company had a consulting engineer, Mr. Obeli, whose term expired this week, but arrangements would possibly be made for him to remain a littlo longer. It would not be possible to permanently engage Mr. Orbell, as he commanded a salary beyond the means of the company. The hearing was adjourned until Au- I gust. A MOTBERV3 APPEAL. " Mrs. Grace Spargo, mother of Alfred James Spargo, Utenui, deposed that there were no alterations in the circumstances since the appeal was heard in | January. They were milking 2S cows, and her son did all the heavy work on the farm. Her son's left arm was practically useless in winter He did not show this to the doctor, as he thought the doctor should have noticed it To Major Cox: Witness and her daughter could not very well do the milking Witness had not endeavored to get a youth to work on the farm, as she much preferred to have her own son. To the chairman: Hei son was not fit for camp. The chairman: I think it would be a good scheme for him to go into the 01 camp and be tried out now while the cows are dry. If unfit, he would be back before the cows came on again. The board resolved to adhere to the previous sine die decision. A RAHOTU CASE. Thomas Leonard Billing, dairy farmer, Kahotu, stated that since November there had been no difference in his position on the farm. He had since lost a second brother at the front, and ther* 1 was one brother gtill at the front. Appellant's wife was not strong, and he would have to try and get some school chTHren to help him. ffla brother-in-law had been assisting Mm, but Intended to go into a factory. To .Mjdw-Owt:,,-It would not gKy.-tf;

put share-milkers on the property. Ap- [ pcllaut had not made any effort to lease his property, or place a manager on it, so as to release himself for serviceDecision was reserved. A URENUI APPEAL. Samuel Alexander Managh, farmer, Crenui (Mr. Bennett), said there were no alterations in his circumstances since the appeal was previously heard. To Major Cox: His brother, who lived in Halcomhe, had not yet gone into camp, his appeal having been held over until July. This brother was on his father's property of 1000 acres. It would not be possible for one of appel; lant's brothers to supervise his property. To the chairman: His property was stili in the market, but he had received no applications for it Decision was reserved. AN OKATO APPEAL. Ernest Harrington Gibson, farmer t Okato (Mr. A. A. Bennett), in reply to Major Cox, stated that when he passed the Medical Board in July, 1917, he sold his dairy herd, as he thought that he would have to go to the war Since then lie had been grazing- He had tried to sell the farm, but could not do soHe now had 75 heifers coming into profit, and proposed to milk next season. Decision was reserved. A HnjffflOßOUGH CASE, , Thomas Sampson, farmer, Hillsborough (Mr- A. H. Johnston), deposed that conditions had not altered since the appeal was previously heard, save that the girl who assisted with the milking had left and his casual man had been drawn in the ballot. To Major Cox: Ho was milking 38 cows on his property of 114 acres, 20 acres being in bush and 30 in stumps. It would not pay to put share-milkers on the property. His brother Harry, who lived opposite, could not look after witness' property, as he stated that he had more to do on his own farm than he could do To the chairman: His brother milked about 150 cows on 200 acres, with the assistance of a daughter aged 19 and a son aged 18. Another boy, aged 17, was awav from home.

The chairman: With that assistance, does he say that it is too much, to look after 200 acres? Appellant: Half Ms brother's cattle were pedigree cattle. The chairman, understood that appellant's brother had told someone that he could look after appellant's property. Appellant stated that they had discussed the matter ,a fortnight or three weeks- ago, and his brother had stated that he could not look after appellant's property The ease was adjourned until to-day to admit of appellant's brother being called. FARM MANAGER'S APPEAL.

Robert Trimble, farm manager, Okato (Mr. A. H. Johnstone) deposed that his father had heen confined to his bed practically since. Christmas. He had been in the hospital, but the doctors would not operate owing to his age. Appellant only had his sister's help in milking C 9 cows. During the season he had cultivated over 100 acres and had about 90 acres in hand now There were about ISO sheep on the place. To Major Cos: He had leased the Dover Rc*d property two years ago, and appellant had been present at every milking- His father had not tried to get a manager or labor for milking. It would be impossible to get a man to do what appellant did Share-milkers would not be possible, as a man was required to be constantly ploughing.

The board decided to adhere to its sine die decision. A FRANKLEY ROAD FARMER. Frank Herbert Jellyman, farmer, New Plymouth (Mr. A H. Johnstone) stated that there was no change in his position since March, when he previously gave evidence. To Major Cox: The milking on the freehold property was done by an employee and his wife. Witness had to assist at times, his work consisting of ploughing and management. To Mr. Johnstone: He hod offered his property to the Government, but they considered that it was not suitable. To the chairman: He had previously had share-imilkers, but they could not make the place pay He had not looked for anyone to look after the property. iDecision was reserved. AN OKATO APPEAL. Robert Bradlaugh Whitehead, farmer, Okato (Mr. A. 11. Johnstone), deposed that since October, 1917, there had been no change in his circumstances, save that !iis brother, who was now nearly 20, had enlisted and would shortly come before the Medical Board. To Major Oox: It was not true that bis father was able to do more work on the farm than appellant. Even if his brother were turned down, the farm could not be run without appellant. Tho case was adjourned until next Bitting. SENT INTO CAMP. Rolbert James, farm lalborer, Tariki (Mr. Johnstone), deposed that there were no cangea in bis save that machines had been installed. They were now milking 33 cows. To Major Cox: His brother Reginald, married with two children, milked 23 bows on a farm opposite. Previous to getting the machines, appellant and his father did the milking, but his father was now in poor health. His brother Reginald would liavo nothing to do with running appellant's farm m addition to his own. Appellant hod another married brother working at Tariki, whose son had gone to the front- Another brother was share-milking in Tariki To tho chairman: He had talked over the question of amalgamating his father's and his brother's herds, but did not see how this could bs done as it would entail too much driving. Moreover, hi s brother «aid that he had enough running about on his own farm. The chairman: Tf the cows were milked by machins it would be less work. In reply to Mr. Perry, appellant said that he did not think he could handle 56 cowa with an assistant. The board decided that appellant should go into ca/mp with the September 01.draft AN ADJOTJIRNEiD APPEAL. Edward Olavs Julian, dairy farmer, Warea, deposed that he had been looking after his own and his brother's adjoin ing farm, but his brother, who was then in camp, was now home, having been classed C2. To..Ma.jor Cox: His-brother ifva«--uil-.

able to run the farms, as his knee would not stand it. He would, however, endeavor to run his own farm and milk 35 cows by machine. If assistance were available, his brother could probably run .both farms. To the chairman. Appellant was to enter the hospital to undergo an operation. Adjourned until August, to ascertain the result ol the operation. LEAVE TILL SEPTEMBER. In the case of Cyril Clive James farm assistant, Albert Road (Mr- A H. Johnstone), his father deposed ttiii appellant was his only assistant an the farm. Two other sons were at the front, and a third was not able to assist on the farmTo Major Cox: If the farm were utilised for grazing, witness could,not manage wUihout assistance. He had not thought of letting the farm on shares, as it was very weedy country and would quickly go back.

To Mr. Perry: His son Norman was brought up on the farm To the chairman: Witness did not think that he and his son Norman could wilk 57 cows and manage the work of the farm. Witness was in a position to pay for assistance if it were availableThe appeal was dismissed, leave being granted until tlie September draft. | A BOOT IMPORTER'S APPEAL. William Thomas M"Ewen, managing partner of a boot importing firm (Mr. A. H. Johnstone), deposed that he was aged 44, The Medical Board would not i*, lieve this, and placed his ace at 35. Rle bad no birth certificate, but produced an entry in a family Bible, showing that lie was born in 1874 His partner, a twin brother, attended to the repairs nnd had been classed C2 owing to his age. Major Cox pointed out that a reservist who was pver 44 at the. time of his medical examination would be classed C2, whatever ...his physical condition might be. The board adhered to its sine die decision. BROTHER'S ASSISTANCE REQUIRED. In the case of Reginald John Marsh, farmer, Upland Road, Egmont Village (Mr. Johnstone), appellant gave evidence that conditions had not changed. To Major Cox: His brother, who had returned from the front, was a carpenter, and was employed in the railway. Witness did not think that he could do the work on the farm. Appellant had an assistant aged 19. Another brother had left for the front with the SOth Reinforcements. ' , Further hearing was adjourned till next sitting, the board intimating that it expected appellant to communicate with his brother. A SMALL DAIRY FARMER. Albert Todd, dairy farmer, Frankley Road, deposed that he milked nine cows on 107 acres, and did all the necessary cropping. The farm was weed-infested. His family resided in New Plymouth To Major Cox: Appellant bad been on the farm two years, and had done considerable work to clear it of weeds. One brother had lost an arm and the other was mentally weak. Ho did not think that his family could possibly manage if they were to live on the farm, which carried 25 head of stock altogether Mrs.' Sarah Lilley, appellant's sister, stated that her mother, aged 71, was in very bad health. The farm would be too lonely for her mother. The board adhered to its sine die decision. A KAMTRO CASE.

Hugh Wishart Paterson, farmer Kai- | miro, deposed that, with h\s sister, he milked 25 cows on his mother's farmOne brother was at Rotorua, and another, married, with three children, was a mill hand at Mananui. His mother and sister could manage the milking, but not the other work. He did not think some of his neighbors would be willing to assist. To Major Cox: His brother would be as good, or better, than witness on the farm, but there was no accommodation for him at the farm. They h,ad never discussed the question of this brother coming to the farm. The case was adjourned till next sitting, appellant meanwhile to communicate with hi 3 brother. A QUESTION OF PARENTAGE. In the case of Thomas Biesiek, dairy farmer, Ratapiko (Mr. A. Paterson), evidence was given that appellant's brother Joseph, after being trained, had been turned out of camp some 12 months ago, on account of his parentage, but as the outcome of his continued representation 1 to Sir James Allen he had again been or. dered into camp. Appellant would be willing to go into camp also, but that he had to look after his father, aged 7S. The board adhered to its sine die decision. , PREPARED TO MAKE SACRIFICE. e Alphonso Wood, fanner, Qmata, stated that since his appeal was heard lie had exclianged two of his leasehold properties for house property, and was now left with 210 acres of freehold on the Ilurford Road. Two of his brothers had been killed at front, whilst another took rheumatic fever in camp, and, with a younger brother, aged 17, was looking after TOO acres. To Major Cox: He would not care to lease his property, as property leased always deteriorated. He was anxiou* to go to the front, and was prepared to make some sacrifice, but thought that, in going to the front and risking his life, he was making enough sacrifice. He had offered his farm to the Government for returned soldiers, offering to take war bonds in payment. Further hearing was adjourned until AugnsJ;, appellant meanwhile to endeavor to dispose of the property. RESERVE© DECISIONS. After the luncheon adjournment the board gave its reserved decision in the following cases:—William Kenry Huggett, Russell Howard Bartley, Frank Herhert Jellyman, all adjourned till next sitting. In the eases of Thomas Leonard Billing, farmer, Rahotu; Samuel Alexander Manogh, farmer, Uruti; and Ernest Harrington Gibson, farmer, Oknto, the board adhered to its previous decision, and adjourned the oases sine die. In the ease of Villeroy Henry Edmond Amyes, farmer, Kaimata (Mr. Johnstone), decision was reserved. DECJSffIONS ADHERED TO. j In the following cases, there being no 1 afteraction in the «Knima4anees-of>ap»

pell&nts, the board decided to adhere to its original decision, and the cases were adjourned sine die: —M&thew Day, farmeij Urnti (Mr. A. H, Johnstone), Henry Gordon Addenbrooke, dairy farmer, Uruti; Leslie Wilberforce Richards, fanner, New Plymouth (Mr. F. E. Wilson), whose three brothers are at the front; Wilfred Hannan 6- Sorenson, farmer, Oakura (Mr. D.Hutchen); Henry Picrson, dairy fanner, Warea (Mr. A I H. Johnstone) ; James Arthur Harding, law bookkeeper, New Plymouth; Tom Wilson Long, farm hand, Tariki (Mr. JohsStoae); Horace Albert Larking, farmer, Warea (Mr Johnstone); Patrick Byrnes, farm hand, R&kotu (Mr. Johnstone}; Albert Wiltam M'Ewon, former, New Plymouth; Arthur William Blaneliard, fanner, Okau (Mr. A. A. Bennett) ; Cyril Gilbert Jones, sheep farmer, Urenuij Joseph Edward Taylor, farm hand, New Plymouth ■ David James S, MlSean, farmer, Ngatimiro .