The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

COUNTY APPEAL TRIBUNAL. A Full Day at Brecon. d. The Breconshire Appeal Tribunal had a full !viS at Brecon on Thursday, and dealt \T cases- The members present were e^sr* J), x. Jeffreys (chairman), Edward utler, W. F. Parry de Winton, and James ^orgau (Brynmawr), with Mr H. F. W. ^-avr;es (secretary). NEW' N.S. APPEAL REPRESENTATIVE. Col. King Hunter, Assistant Director of Re- citing, introduced to the Tribunal Captain ilsou, who,has been appointed National Ser- vice Aj>peal Representative in succession to Mr. J"'ilym C. James. He said Capt. Wilson was Carmarthenshire man, who talked Welsh and ^"ho had been employed in the past in the ^>uih African Civil Service, and he would do in his power to co-operate with the Tribunal III the performance of his new duties. The Chairman remarked that they were Pleased to see Capt. Wilson there, and hoped proceedings under the new regime would be darned on nicely as they were under the old. He would take that opportunity also of ex- Pressing their appreciation of the great services Mr James had rendered to the Court he dis- charged his duties with great efficiency and gave considerable aid in carrying on the business. CEFN BREWERY'S GOOD RECORD. The employees of Fred Trott, working fore- man at a Cefn brewery, aged 37, married, ap- plied for further exemption. Mr W. B. Ed- wards, managing director, seated that all attempts I to get a substitute had failed. For a time they had a man from the Army. He appeared to be I III a very bad state, and papers were obtained from his commanding officer, and it was hoped to get him discharged. The man had to go to Portsmouth, and the next thing they heard of I him he was in France. The brewery was only carried on by getting colliers to work casuallv. Trott was the only man of military age em- ployed the others had all joined up. The Chairman said that as this was a Class A man. there would be two months' exemption, I final. GRADE III. DIVISIONS.—CHAIRMAN'S CRITICISM. The first mention of a Grade III. man under the new system of medical classification drew from the Chairman the question Are there any divisions of Grade III ? Col. King Hunter There are sub-divisions. The Chairman Should not we see those ? Col. J. J. Jones (Yaynor and Penderyn N.S. representative) I have had no intimation ,t all. Mr C. W. Best (Brecon N.S. representative): There are three sab-divisions of Grade III., which are known to the medical authorities, and I think I am right in saying we are not Authorised to give those details to the Tribunal. The Chairman The Chairman of the House of Commons Appeal Tribunal laid stress on this Particular fact, that the sub-divisions of Grade III. men should be shown to the Tribunals, so that they might consider the category even in the sub-divisions. Mr Best I have seen that, but that opinion has not gone through yet. The Chairman Do you refuse on behalf of the National Service to produce the sub- divisions ? Mr Best Those are the instructions we have had. Col. Jones I have had no intimation. The Chairman I think in a case like this it would have been of great assistance to us if we had had the sub-divisions of Grade III. Having regard to the fact that the man has been twice rejected, and has been classed in C III undir the old regime and Grade III. under the new, we think it is a waste of the country's money to send him to the Army. (Slight applause in Court). The case was one in which the National Ser- vice representative had appealed against the conditional exemption till May 1st granted by the Yaynor and Penderyn Tribunal to Wm. Lewis, 34, married, with five children, an assistant branch insurance manager. Subsequently Mr Best explained that Grade III. comprised three sub-divisions—(l^iuxiliary service with troops, (2) labour, (3) sedentary occupations; and he was understood to say that the instruction not to give the sub- division applied to individual cases. CEFN GREENGROCER REFUSED LEAVE. Philip Rees Pemridge, Class A, 35, married with three children, a greengrocer at Cefn. asked for leave to make a further appeal. Mr James, solicitor. Merthyr, in support of the application, said there had been some kind of instruction that one-man businesses should have every consideration by Tribunals, and this was not a luxury business, but concerned the supply of food to the people. The Chairman We decided last time this man must serve, and we gave him an extension of time in order to sell his business. We are sorry he has been unable to do so, but the ap- plication must be refused. .Applicaiit Can I have time to sell it bit by bit ? The Chairman You must make the best terms you can. Applicant With whom ? PERMISSION TO ENTER A BRECON APPEAL. Mr G. Tudor, solicitor, Brecon, in applying for permission to enter an appeal on behalf of Harold Elston, of Brecon, stated that Mr Elston had six months' exemption, which expired in September, 1917. He was called up for medical examination on the 5th inst., classed -firade III., and then received notice to join on the 2Gth iust. He had been appointed an engineer mechanic by the Food Control Depart- ment of the Board of Agriculture, and was working under Mr Allen, who was his superin- tendent. He took the calling-up notice to Mr Allen, who said he would put in an application for exemption. Mr Allen took the notice to Mr Prosser, secretary to the Breconshire War Agricultural Executive Committee, and that gentleman said he would see that the appeal was entered. But between the two the appeal

was not eiflfcered in the time allowed. The ap- plication for leave was strongly supported both by the Board of Agriculture and the War Agri- cultural Executive Committee. Mr Owen Price, (Board of Agriculture repre- sentative) stated that he had had a letter from the Food Production Department of the Board asking him to support the application. Mr Best opposed the applicatioiTT arguing that a decision of the Central Tribunal laid it down that there was no power to extend the time for application for a renewal. The Chairman Have you seen the ruling within the last nine or ten days by which Appeal Tribunals are asked in a case of mis- adventure, such as this, to give leave to appeal ? Mr Best There is a regulation as regards men relegated to the Reserve, men who have ceased to be exempt but whose .particular class is not being taken. The Chairman I am sure there is a new instruction out. We think the applicant in this case has failed to put in his appeal under a mis- apprehension, and we grant leave to appeal. You can, if you like, take us to a higher court, but I think you will find we are right. BRECON OBJECTION WITHDRAWN: d In the case of Jansen Davies, clerk employe by the Breconshire Insurance Committee, Mr Best said that as the applicant had been put in Grade III., he would withdraw his objection to exemption.—Conditional exemption was granted. ADJOURNE PENDING AN APPOINT- MENT. The Breconshire War Agricultural Executive Committee applied for further exemption for Wm. Evans, aged 35, clerk, married, Class B 1. Mr D. Jones (chairman of the committee), speaking in support of the application, said that the last time Mr,John Owen, the Commissioner, visited Brecon, lie told the committee their I work was the cheapest in the whole of his dis- district (North and Mid-Wales) as regards office staff and general equipment. Mr Owen Price intimated that the Board of Agriculture supported the application. Mr Best put some questions bearing on the fact that Mr Evans was an applicant for the post of secretary to the War Agricultural Executive Committee, and eventually the Tri- bunal adjourned the case to see who obtained the appointment. the appointment. SOLDIERS ANXIOUS TO LEARN PLOUGHING. Mr Phillips, farmer, the employer of Lewis Morgan Hopkins, 19, waggoner and ploughman, Class B 2, appealed against the refusal of the Brecon Tribunal to grant exemption. He said he was in poor health, and 66 years of age, and Hopkins was the only man he had. Hopkins had had a leg fractured and a shoulder put out, and one arm was still affected. Mr Best Was he a waggoner and plough- man before he came to you ? Mr Phillips I told you at the last court he was not. Mr Best said this man was employed at Ffrwdgrech until Capt. Evans would not apply for him any more, and the suggestion was that he took on farm work to evade military service. A number of soldiers at the Barracks were very anxious to learn ploughing, and if a boy could be made a ploughman in so short a time as stated by Mr Phillips, surely one of the soldiers could be taken for a similar purpose. Mr Phillips said the man was in the best place he could be for the nation he could not I use his shoulder. Exemption till May Fair. BRECON DECISION CONFIRMED. Mr W. Jones-Williams, solicitor, appeared for Fred Jones, 29, married with three children, Class C I., superintendent of a petroleum business, of Church terrace, Brecon, who ap- pealed against the refusal of the local Tribunal to grant further exemption. The appeal was dismissed, not to be called up for a month. Mr Parry de Winton did not take part in the hearing of the Brecon cases, being .the chairman of the local Tribunal. CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGED. There was an appeal entered by the em- ployers of George Maitland, 39, single, timber faller, against the refusal of the Brecon Rural Tribunal to grant exemption. Mr W. Jones- Williams appeared in support. Mr. H. F. W. Harries (secretary to the Tribunal) informed the Court that this was an appeal by Messrs. W. J. Davies and Sons, of Merthyr, and they had written stating that the man was no longer in their employ and they would not be present. The appeal therefore fell to the ground; Mr. Jones-Williams explained that he was only instructed the previous day. The appeal was dismissed. Thomas Harris, 36, married with three children, Class A, who keeps the" Tredegar Arms on the Beacons and has a small holding of seven acres, appealed from the decision of the Brecon Rural Tribunal, who had refused him further exemption. Appeal dismissed. Wm. Boxhall, 31, married with three chil- dren, motor driver, of Sennybridge, had entered an appeal against the refusual of the Brecon Rural Tribunal to grant him exemption, but he did not appear and it was stated that he was joining up. BETWEEN MAN AND MAN. Evan Morgan, 32, water bailiff, residing at Devynock, appealed against the refusal of the Brecon Rural Tribunal to grant exemption. His employers, the Usk Board of Conservators, also appealed. Mr. Jones-Williams appeared in support of the application. Morgan stated that four or five years ago he had several ribs fractured and his lungs were penetrated, and he had not fully recovered. He joined up at the outbreak of the war and was in the Army three months, and then was sent to the Reserve as medically unfit. Whilst he was in the Army he was often on the sick list and in hospital, and finally he was discharged in July, 1916. After being discharged he got married and had had one child. He had now been put in Grade III. The Usk Board for- and in hospital, and finally he was discharged in July, 1916. After being discharged he got married and had had one child. He had now been put in Grade III. The Usk Board for- merly employed 14 bailiffs and nine or ten had joined the Army. The Chairman liere is a man wnu A-oiuii- tarily joined the Army, served for a certain period and is then rejected. He appears for re-examination at a- subsequent period and is again rejected, and now is put in Grade III. Do you propose in such a case as that Mr. Best I am prepared to leave it in your hands. I must say in response to your remark that there seems to be an impression abroad that men are not wanted. The Chairman Surely you can discriminate between man and man. Mr. Best I am quite willing to leave it in your hands but if your remarks are in any sense meant to be a reflection on us for press- ing the case—(the Chairman No, no) then I must say that there is a feeling abroad that certain men can be spared and that is not wise, The Chairman here pointed out that he was interested in this case and must leave it to his colleagues. Mr. Best admitted that the man had a good case on the ground of personal hardship, but on the question of national interest he should have to fight. Mr. Butler announced the decision of the Tribunal conditional exemption on the ground of hardship. ONLY WANTED REASONABLE TIME. Dealing with the appeal of Thomas Davies, a cabinet maker, aged 41, single, Grade III., from the decision of the Brecon Rural Tribuna requiring him to take up work of nationa importance in 14 days, Mr. Tudor said the man was willing to go if he had reasonable time to wind up his business. Mr. Best said men of applicant's trade were badly wanted in aeroplane works and he could earn good wages. The Court decided to allow applicant two months to take up work of national importance. ONE TO GO. Two National Service appeals in respect of employees of Messrs. Dickson and Co., Senny- bridge, were heard together. Mr. Jeffreys did not take part in the hearing. Exemption till May 1st had been granted by the Brecon Rural Tribunal to Owen Morris Davies, 26, married, Class A, and Arthur Brown, 22, single, Class A, pitwood haul- iers. Mr Jenkin Williams stated the case for the company. After hearing Mr- Best, the Tribunal gave Davies conditional exemption on the ground that he was in a certified occupation and allowed Brown two months' exemption to give his employers an opportunity to get another man. Wm. Price, 28, single, drapery department manager, Brynmawr. was granted three months exemption. The National Service representa- tive had appealed against a temporary ex- emption by the local Tribunal expiring on March 18th. WILLING TO GO. The National Service appeal against the Crickhowell Tribunal's grant of exemption till July 15th to Basil Morris, 25, single, Class A, wagon carpenter, of Clydach, succeeded to the extent that the exemption was reduced to two months from date. Morris said he wanted a short time for certain domestic affairs and then he was willing to go. "HANDED OVER." The Crickhowell Tribunal had granted exemption till April 15th to John Preece, 23, single, Class B 2, pitwood haulier, and the National Service representative appealed. Ma. Morgan Morgan, the employer, admitted that the man entered his service six weeks ago —" they handed him over to me at the Tri- bunal." Asked if the man did not leave farm work without notice, Mr. Morgan replied Well, I suppose difficulties arose." The appeal was allowed. TWO MONTHS MORE FOR BUILTH MAN. The father of John Gordon Simcock, 18% single, Class A, appealed against the refusal of the Builth Urban Tribunal to give exemption (they allowed from December 14th to February 1st as a not to be called up period). Mr. Simcock said he wanted his son for three months. Mr. C. G. Inglis (National Service) You told me that in December. Mr. Sincock No, sir. Appeal dismissed not to be called up before April 1st. BUILTH CONDITIONAL VARIED. James Maund Smiles, 36, married, a house painter, clerk and club steward, had been granted conditional exemption by the Builth Urban Tribunal. The National Service repre- sentative appealed on the ground that applicant had only asked for a month. Replying to Mr. Inglis, applicant said he was not fit to join the Army. He was willing to do work of national importance if he was not doing it now. And you admit you are not doing it now ?— That the Tribunal will decide to-day. Mr. Smiles pointed out that on attestation he was rejected, afterwards he was classed C III. (he had permanent injuries) and now he was put in Grade II. The reason his employer did not appeal for him was that Col. Llewelyn objected to any appeal for a man of military age on the Llysdinam estate. Three months' exemption, final, subject to application for leave. HEART DISEASE DIFFICULT OF. DIAGNOSIS. A man placed in Grade III appealed against the refusal of the local Tribunal to grant exemption. Mr. E. P. Careless, solicitor, of Llandrindod, appeared for applicant. Dr. Black Jones gave evidence to the effect that the man had serious deterioration of the r heart, brought about by constant strain, and was unfit for any work. -v The Chairman asked Dr. Black Jones if the four gentlemen wha formed the medical board at Brecon could not have ascertained by examination what he ascertained, and the doctor replied that it was necessary to know all the symptoms to form a final opinion, find if they did not ask the man certain questions they would not be able to form such an opinion. There were cases of people in immediate danger of death from angina pectoris where medical examination showed nothing wrono with them. 0 1 he Chairman Is it not rather a reflection on the four gentlemen who formed the medical board ? it. ^r' -Jones No, I am not reflecting on them at all I am rather reflecting 011 myself that I did not assist by giving them a certificate. The National Service Representative: Do you suggest that four doctors who examined him at Brecon could not or would not have found out that lie had this thing the matter with his heart V—If they had perhaps cross- examined him with regard to many symptoms he has informed me of they might have done it, but from a mere physical examination, without asking any questions, I maintain they could not. In reply to a further question, Dr. Black Jones said he had to ask the man many ques- tions before he could make a just estimate of what was the matter with him. The Chairman Was it in consequence of the answers he gave to your questions that you diagnosed as you did ?—Yes. It was decided to refer the case to medical i assessors. f ON THE MERITS. The National Service Representative (Mr. C. W. Woosnam) appealed against the conditional exemption granted by the Builth Rural Tri- bunal to John James Price, 37, single, Class C 3, labourer and auxiliary postman, son of the Postmaster of Garth, who has a small farm, on the ground that the application to that Tribunal was out of order. Mr. Woosnam said the application was not made until two months after the expiration of the previous exemption, and he submitted that the local Tribunal had %o right to hear it. The Chairman We will hear the case on 1 its merits you may take it to the Court above on the question of notice if you like. A humorous reference to the fact that Mr. Pryce, senr., had been known to ride well to hounds elicited the reply that he regretted he could not do it now. Mr. Pryce mentioned that he had two sons in the Army. Appeal dismissed. WILLING IF FIT. i Mr. Tudor sppeared for Ivor Evans, 23, ?! single, Grade III (previously twice rejected), bootmaker, of Llandewi'r cwm, who appealed from the refusal of the Builth Rural Tribunal to give him exemption. The only point, said Mr. Tudor, was whether the man was fit to do any good in the Army or not. If he was he was willing to go; he had two brothers serving. The Chairman If the Army like to take him they can have him I don't think he is much good. Appeal dismissed. jj In the case of Robert Turner, employed on a farm at Abercrave by Captain Gilbertson (N.S. appeal), it transpired after a good deal of time had been taken up that the man had the blue voucher," and the Court then gave conditional exemption. Mr. Jenkins appeared for respondent. Mr. Tudor appeared for Daniel Jones, of Yorath Dairy Farm, Ystradgynlais, who at the last Court was directed to bring the papers relating to the tenancy. Certain papers were produced. Replying to Mr. Leyshon (N.S. representa- y tive), who had appealed against a temporary exemption by the local Tribunal, Jones denied that be took the farm to evade military service. j Conditional exemption was granted. •; In a number of other Ystradgynlais cases there were no features of public interest. One furnished a hearty laugh, however, when Mr. Leyshon, after listening to a wheelwright and undertaker's description of his engagements, made a verbal slip with the' question You repair coffins and houses ? Mr. Tudor was engaged in most of these cases.