A TOKO BLACKSMITH.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 October 1918, Page 2

A TOKO BLACKSMITH.

EVIDENCE AT APPEAL COURT. At Thursday's sittings of the Military Appeal Board at ITawera the appeal was heard of A. J. Griffiths, wheelwright,, blacksmith, etc., Toko. Appellant said' his was the only business of its kind left in that district, and his staff was reduced to a blacksmith, appellant and his 15-year-old son. Three settlers of long standing gave evidence voluntarily that in their opinion a blacksmith's and wheelwright's shop was absolutely necessary in and around Toko. Decision was reserved. On Friday the case was further considered. Mr. Fookes appeared for appellant, who produced the books relating to his business. The chairman of tho Stratford County Council (Mr. Walters) gave evidence that the settlers of Toko would be seri- j ously inconvenienced if the appellant's business was closed down. The military representative called David Maxwell, Toko, who contended that if appellant went into camp som cone else would come along. Mr: Fookes pointed out to the witness that several similar businesses had had to be closed down because of OJic shortage of skilled tradesmen, due to the call of the war.

Witness replied that he was aware c f f that, but the men had gone to the war'. Proceeding, he considered that the farmers could get their wheelwright work done either at Douglas or at Stratford. There were several men in tho district who were wheelwrights, although they were not in business. He named these

Mr. Fookes recalled the appellant, who repudiated the statements of the previous witness that the men referred to were able to do wheelwright work. Decision was reserved. On the following day tho board adjourned the case until the December sitting, expecting the appellant to advertise for-a wheelwright in the meantime.