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Rushden Echo, 5th July 1918
Curious Grading by The Medical Board
A Consecientious Objector
Monday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), C. Bates, C. W. Horrell, and C. Cross, C.C., with Mr. W. L. Beetenson (assistant clerk), and Mr. John S. Mason (National Service representative).
A joint appeal, employer’s and personal, was made in the case of Charles William Norman, 29, married, Grade 1, baker’s manager for Mrs. Corbett, who said she had no one else to do the baking. - Exemption was granted until August 15th, in order that a substitute might be found, and the Volunteer condition was waived. The Chairman said the Tribunal did not wish to close Mrs. Corbett’s business, and the military authorities would be asked to provide a substitute.
Mr. W. George, solicitor, appeared in support of the appeal of William Clark Crawley, aged 23, single, boot operative, and said that applicant was rejected on attestation and had since been three times rejected by the Medical Board, who had now placed him in Grade 2. Applicant, who was under the care of the Tuberculosis Officer, was now waiting for a medical re-examination. – Adjourned until August 15th.
Edward Albert Mayhew, 35, married, Grade 1, a clicker, appealed as a conscientious objector. He said he was a local preacher on the Independent Wesleyan plan, and, knowing that war was inconsistent with the teaching of Christ, he conscientiously objected to fight and kill other men. – The Chairman: Have you tried to do other work of national importance? – Applicant: I have only done my work as a shoehand. I am willing to take work of national importance if my present work is not of importance to the nation, but I have no other trade. I have been in shoe work all my life. – A letter was put in from Mr. John Spencer, J.P., who stated that applicant was a local preacher, a leader of the Mission Band and a Sunday school teacher, being a man of the highest character. For many years the applicant had held strong anti-war views, and he (Mr. Spencer) had frequently heard him express those views prior to the present war. – Applicant: I feel that no man should take another man’s life, and for that reason I have advocated the abolition of capital punishment. – Adjourned for a month for appellant to find work of national importance.
Joseph Arthur King, 34, married, operator on a Consol lasting machine, said he had five children under eleven years of age. He had previously been in Category C2, but had now been put in Grade 1. He served two days in the Army and was then discharged on the ground of his ill-health. - Applicant, who had not appealed for medical re-examination within the period allowed, was given exemption until August 15th, final.
The Tribunal supported a resolution in favour of the protection certificates being withdrawn from younger men before the older men are called upon to join the Colours.
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Rushden Echo, 12th July 1918
Rushden Military Tribunal
Many Conditional Exemptions Reviewed
Tuesday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., C. Bates, C. Cross, C.C., and C. W. Horrell, with Mr. G. S. Mason (clerk), and Mr. John S. Mason (National Service representative.)
The Military appealed in a large number of cases for the withdrawal of exemption certificates, as follows:-
Robert Conrad Timpson, 37, married, carpenter, Grade 1, who is a member of the Rushden Fire Brigade. Mr. F. Knight said that 50 per cent. of the firemen had gone. – The Military appeal was dismissed.
Robert Shaw, 38, married, B1, manager for Messrs. Burton’s grocery stores at Rushden and supervisor of two other branches. – Conditional exemption withdrawn, and three months’ exemption granted, the Volunteer condition being waived.
Thomas Algernon Baker, 39, Grade 2, dentist. – Conditional exemption withdrawn and six months’ exemption granted, the Volunteer condition being excused.
George Rattan, Grade 2, and Owen Woodman, Grade 1, school teachers. – In these cases the secretary of the County Education Committee wrote that they did not resist the military appeal, and the exemption certificates were therefore withdrawn.
Herbert Lack, 41, married, Grade 2, rates clerk for the Rushden Urban Council. – The Military appeal was dismissed.
Charles F. Snelson, 42, Grade 2, fancy goods dealer, etc. – Conditional exemption withdrawn, and three months’ exemption granted, the Volunteer condition being waived as Mr. Snelson is a special Constable.
James Roe, aged 40, Grade 2, draper. – Conditional exemption withdrawn, three months’ exemption being granted, and the volunteer condition not enforced.
Similar decisions were arrived at in the following cases: Frederick Webb, 41, Grade 2, saddler, etc.; Alfred Gramshaw, 43, Grade 2, furniture dealer; James Britten, 41, Grade 1, baker, Grove-road; Frederick Clarke, 35, Grade 1, master carrier; Herbert Skinner, Grade 1, butcher; G. W. Minney, 41, B1, edge trimmer; A. W. Dickens, 39, Grade 2, in the employ of Messrs. Jaques and Clark; Thomas Henry Nicholls, 40, Grade 2, bookseller, etc.
Ernest Pack, Grade 2, of the Central Machinery Co. – Military appeal dismissed.
William Allen, C1, now Grade 3, who has been under the doctor a long time, and who is putting in as much time in clicking as possible. – Military appeal dismissed.
S. Cross, boot operative, 33, Grade 2. – Conditional exemption withdrawn and three months’ exemption given.
W. Sprott, 37, Grade 1, manager of the Rushden and Higham Water Board, and J. F. Mabbutt, 39, Grade 1, assistant engine driver to the same Board. – Military appeals dismissed.
Arthur Burrows, 33, Grade 1, fitter for the Central Machinery Co., who have lost the bulk of their staff. – Exemption granted and volunteer condition excused.
Harold O. Miller, 39, Grade 1, income tax collector, etc. – Military appeal dismissed.
Walter Thew, 32, Grade 1, in charge of the gas plant at Messrs. John Cave and Sons’ works. The firm did not resist the military appeal, Thew having been decertified on occupational grounds. – Military appeal allowed, and the certificate withdrawn.
Albert C. F. Woodcock, formerly assistant at the Northants Union Bank at Rushden, now at the head office at Northamptton. – The Military appeal was dismissed.
Isaac Wykes, C1, of Higham Ferrers, boot finisher at Rushden. – Conditional exemption withdrawn, and three months; exemption allowed.
Frank Selwood, 38, Grade 3, manager and chief clerk for Messrs. G. Selwood and Co. – Military appeal dismissed.
A Neal, 39, previously C1, now Grade 3, foreman finisher. – Military appeal dismissed.
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Rushden Echo, 19th July 1918
SIX MONTHS’ exemption was given by the Rushden Tribunal on Tuesday in the following cases: Frederick Atkins, W. Merridale, Charles Robinson, and W. G. Dickens, all Grade 3; and four months in the cases of Lewis R. Line and George Desborough, both Grade 2.
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Rushden Echo, 2nd August 1918
Rushden Military Tribunal
A Number of Exemptions
National Service Representative to Appeal
Tuesday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), C. Bates, C. Cross, C.C., and C. W. Horrell, with Mr. G. S. Mason (clerk) and the National Service representatives (Mr. H. Dulley and Mr. J. S. Mason).
Mr. J. S. Clipson, engineer, etc., supported an appeal for John Robert Clipson, 35, Grade 1, and stated that they were responsible for between 50 and 60 factories, doing the repairs, etc. Five or six of his men had gone. Mr. C. W. Horrell said the factories were badly served at present, there being only two firms of engineers for the whole district. It would be quite a calamity to the boot trade if the engineering firms were further depleted. – Exemption until October 31st.
In the case of Harry Ewart Wilmott, aged 35, Grade 1, boot manufacturer, Mr. Arthur Wilmott, his father, said that since the last exemption he had lost his foreman clicker and had had to take on the position, and therefore his son had had to undertake more of the management. – Exemption until October 31st.
Mr. John Austin, oil merchant, etc., appeared to support an appeal for his son, Frederick A. Austin, 30, Grade 1. Mr. J. Austin explained that he was not now physically capable of doing the work of the business, and he had therefore taken up war work. His son travelled round 21 villages with oil, and served a number of farmers with fuel for tractors. He was the only oil dealer in this part of the country. - The Tribunal granted exemption until October 31st. – Mr. Dulley said he should appeal to the County Tribunal in this case.
In the case of Harold Geary, 31, Grade 1, clerk to Mr. C. W. Horrell, the appeal was adjourned for a month for a medical re-examination.
Frederick James Knight, aged 30, Grade 1, was granted exemption until October 31st. He is the proprietor of two pork butchers’ shops, one in Moor-road and one in Cromwell-road. Applicant said his wife and his parents were dependent upon the shops for their living. – Mr. Dulley notified that in this case he should appeal.
Exemption until October 31st was granted to Frederick George Lilley, 37, Category A, married, a plumber.
The case of Edgar Wadsworth, of Messrs. Wadsworth Brothers, coach builders, etc., was adjourned for a month to enable applicant to get a protection certificate from the War Agricultural Committee. Applicant, whose brother and partner joined up two years ago, does all the horse-shoeing for the M.R. Co. at Rushden, and the bulk of his wagon-building is for agriculturists.
The case of Herbert Deacon, 43, Grade 2, married, “boots” at the Queen Victoria Hotel, and who formerly was engaged in the shoe trade, was adjourned for a month in order that he might find work of national importance. – Applicant, who is very deaf, said he would go into a shoe factory.
Samuel Horace Wright, 33, Grade 1, boot manufacturer, sole proprietor and director of the Summit Boot Works, was granted exemption until December 31st.
A personal appeal was made by Frederick James Carr, 39, Grade 1, married, with seven children. Applicant is a foreman finisher. The appeal was amended, so that applicant might claim to be in a certified occupation, and he was granted exemption until October 31st.
Ernest Alfred Sugars, 37, Grade 1, who works at the C.W.S. boot factory, said he had been before the Medical Board at Northampton, where his case had been deferred for three months. – Exemption for three months was granted, and, on a doctor’s certificate, the Volunteer condition was excused.
Ernest Edward East, master plumber, carpenter, etc., aged 35, Grade 1, said he was the sole head of the firm of Chamberlain and East. – Exempted until October 31st.
Mr. J. C. Wilson, solicitor, appeared for Messrs. Cunnington Brothers, boot manufacturers, in an appeal for Robert Charles Cunnington, a partner in the firm, and working manager of the business. Mr. Wilson said that Mr. R. C. Cunnington was the directing head of the business, and there was no one else to take his place. – Exemption until December 31st.
William Ashford, 37, Grade 1, married, a partner in the firm of Ashford and Campion, heel manufacturers, was given two months’ exemption. He stated that the firm employed 40 girls, and they had only a Grade 3 man and a discharged soldier to drive the motor lorry, etc. They had a factory at Yardley Hastings as well as the Rushden factory.
The Central Machinery Co. appealed for Wm. Brown, aged 32, Category A, manager and secretary of the company. Mr. Pack (director) said that the business was essential for the running of the boot factories in the town and district. – The Tribunal granted exemption until October 31st, but Mr. Dulley said he should appeal against this decision.
John Henry Wooding, 36, Grade 1, edge trimmer for Messrs. Nurrish and Pallett, and a member of the Rushden Fire Brigade for some years, was granted until October 31st. Mr. Dulley gave notice that he should appeal.
Exemption until October 31st was granted to James Hugh Nicholson, 34, Grade 1, boot manufacturer.
Mr. Ebenezer Wrighton, boot manufacturer, appealed for his son, Samuel Jesse Wrighton, 29, Grade 1, who is the manager of the factory, and who has been in the Volunteers for 2½ years. – Exemption until October 31st.
A personal appeal by George Childs, 36, Grade 1, shoe maker’s foreman, was dismissed.
Exemption until December 31st was granted in the case of Walter Clayton, boot manufacturer, 37, married, Grade 1, of the firm of Messrs. Bull and Clayton.
In the case of Alfred Edgar Sumpter, 38, Grade 1, married, a sanitary plumber working for Mr. F. Caswell, Mr. G. S. Mason said that the whole town of Rushden was on the water carriage system of drainage; there were not two houses in the urban district which were not connected with the system, and it would be a terrible calamity if, through the absence of efficient plumbers, an epidemic of disease broke out. - The case was adjourned for a month to enable Mr. Caswell to make an employer’s appeal.
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Rushden Echo, 16th August 1918
Rushden Military Tribunal - Ninety Appeals Dealt With
Monday, present: Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., C. Bates, and C. Cross, C.C., with Mr. George S. Mason (clerk) and Mr. H. Dulley (National Service representative).
The Chairman said that before proceeding to business he felt that some reference should be made to the sad bereavement which had been sustained by Mr. John Mason, the National Service representative, since they last met. The death of Mrs. Mason was very sudden, and the suddenness made it almost tragic. He was sure that every member of the Tribunal felt extremely sorry for Mr. Mason in this grievous loss which had befallen him, and he thought that a letter of condolence should be sent to him from the Tribunal, expressing the sympathy of the members. On the proposition of Mr. Cross, the Chairman was requested to send a letter on behalf of the Tribunal, the motion being carried by a standing vote.
Mr. Frederick Skeeles, boot manufacturer, appealed for Joseph Fleckner, aged 30, Grade 2, his only sole cutter. He said this was the only man left in this department, all the other employees in the room being females, and women could not cut soles. – Mr. C. Bates: We should not allow them to if we could help it as a Trade Union. – Mr. Skeeles: It would be impossible to replace this man if he had to go. – Mr. Bates: Sole cutters are more scarce than clickers, and the County are giving these men three months’ open exemption. – Mr. Skeeles pointed out that the man could scarcely walk. – Fleckner said he had been rejected three times, and then placed in Grade 3. Now he was in Grade two. – Three months’ exemption granted, and the V.T.C. condition was excused on the ground of health.
A personal appeal was made by George Henry Reeves, aged 33, Grade 1, a heel trimmer, whose wife has been bedridden for 11 years, and who is utterly unable to help herself. Applicant said he had to attend to the house work at meal times, and before and after working hours. – Three months’ exemption given, and the V.T.C. condition was waived owing to the household work that had to be done.
In the case of Edward Albert Mayhew, aged 35, Grade 1, who, as a conscientious objector, had been granted exemption on condition that he found work of national importance, the appellant now wrote that he was working in one of His Majesty’s timber camps. He added that his wages were not sufficient to live on, so that his wife and family had to make a sacrifice. Accompanying the letter was a certificate from the foreman of the timber yard. – Three months’ exemption was granted on condition that appellant remains engaged in work of national importance.
Mr. Augustus Allebone appeared in support of the appeal of his son, Arthur Allebone, aged 27, Grade 2, who was the sole manager of the firm of Allebone and Sons, Limited, boot manufacturers. The third partner (Mr. Horace Allebone) was killed in action in November 1917. – Mr. Dulley said he wanted a ruling in cases of this sort, where young men were managing boot factories, and he was taking a similar case to this to the County Appeals Tribunal for their decision. He suggested that in the present case they should grant a short exemption pending the decision of the County Tribunal. – Mr. Bates endorsed the statement that Mr. Arthur Allebone had full control of the factory, and not only worked the machines but repaired them. – One month’s open exemption was granted.
The Tribunal proceeded to deal with 85 cases in which the Advisory Committee recommended exemption for various periods and in the main the committee’s recommendations were adhered to. Exemptions to men of the new military ages were granted as follow: 27 to Nov. 1st; 22 to Dec. 1st; 14 to Jan. 1st; 22 to Feb. 12th.
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Rushden Echo, 23rd August 1918
Rushden Military Tribunal
Conscientious Objector’s Appeal Dismissed
Many Cases Dealt With
Monday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., C. Bates, C. Cross, C.C., and C. W. Horrell, with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason) and National Service Representatives (Mr. Herbert Dulley and Major Boyce).
The Clerk said he had received a letter from the Pearl Insurance Company asking that the case of one of their agents at Rushden might be transferred to the City of London Tribunal, as, according to the new regulations, all their cases were being dealt with en bloc. – The Tribunal agreed.
Mr. T. Denton appeared on behalf of Fredk. W. Leeson, aged 36, Grade 2, employed at the Lightstrung Works as mechanic on motor tractor work. Mr. Dulley said that in these cases the firms were allowed by the Agricultural Department a certain number of men. – Mr. Denton: Yes, myself and this man. - Mr. Dulley: I do not think the Department will allow him to be taken. - Exemption until November 1st.
Mr. J. C. Wilson, solicitor, supported the personal appeal of John O’Connor, 42, Grade 1, boot repairer. Appellant said he previously had two assistants, and now there was only himself. He had served from August 1914, to August, 1915, in the Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve, during which time the two men carried on his business, but now they were called up. - Mr. Wilson said that appellant was the secretary of the Rushden and District Boot Retailers’ Association, and he was also the rationing officer of boot repairers’ requirements for the district of Rushden, Higham, Irthlingborough, Raunds, and the locality. Appellant’s occupation was a certified one for men over 35 years of age. - Mr. Dulley said the weak spot in the case was that appellant had for patriotic reasons left his business for twelve months. - The Chairman said the members of the Tribunal thought it was not fair to penalise a man for his patriotism. - The Tribunal gave three months’ open exemption, and excused the V.T.C. condition on the ground that the appellant is doing important service in Ambulance work.
A personal appeal was made by Bertram Booth, 39, Category B1, goods clerk at the M.R. station. - Mr. Dulley said this man had been released by the M.R. Co., and hitherto he had been granted exemption on the ground that he felt he had a grievance in being released when younger men were retained by the Company. A grievance, however, was not sufficient reason for a Tribunal to grant continued exemption. - It was stated that applicant is a Special Constable and also belongs to the Ambulance Brigade. - One month’s exemption was allowed, appellant meantime to be medically graded.
Mr. W. George, solicitor, appeared in support of a personal appeal of Frank Sumpter, aged 41, Grade 2, branch manager for ladies’ and gentlemen’s tailoring for Messrs. Gent, Flavell & Co. He is a Special Constable and a member of the V.T.C. Mr. George said that appellant had to overlook the Wellingborough shop as well as the Rushden branch of the business. - Mr. Dulley pointed out that a business appeal by the firm for Mr. Sumpter had been dismissed by the Wellingborough Tribunal, and therefore business reasons could not be discussed. It was stated that applicant does about two days’ work at clicking each week, doing the work at home in the evenings. - The Tribunal granted three months’ open exemption on condition that appellant does three days’ work each week in a factory as a clicker.
Herbert Wm. Wooding, 40, Category A, dairyman and land worker, appealed for the renewal of his exemption certificate. Besides his dairying business, he said, he cultivated over an acre of land and also had pigs and poultry. - Mr. Dulley: How is it you are not under the War Agricultural Committee? – Appellant: I have not applied to them. - One month’s exemption, and to be medically graded.
The appeal of Arthur Okins, aged 40, was adjourned, as applicant was that day attending the funeral of his brother.
Walter G. Lyman, 44, Grade 1, chimney sweep, in support of his appeal, said that his son, who used to assist him in his work, had joined the Forces voluntarily and before he was compelled to do so, and he (applicant) did not appeal for him. There were now only two sweeps for the whole of Rushden and a wide district around. Besides house chimneys, he had to attend to a number of factories, boilers, etc. - Three months’ open exemption.
George J. Dickenson, 43, Grade 1, married, a carter, said he had spent a considerable sum of money in purchasing horses and carts, and he did a great deal of work carting leather for boot manufacturers. - The Chairman said there was a scarcity of carters in the place. Appellant: I am often out twelve hours a day. - Three months’ exemption.
Mr. W. G. Wilmott, contractor, appealed for Walter C. L. Fuller, 40, Grade 1, the only skilled paviour left to him out of six. The work Fuller was doing was of national importance. He (Mr. Wilmott) had just signed a contract to do some drainage work at Farndish for the Bedford Rural District Council, and he was depending on Fuller to do the work. - Three months’ open exemption.
The National Service representative asked the Tribunal to review the case of Fredk. V. Abbott, 25, single, Grade 1. Mr. George, who resisted the National Service appeal, said that though Abbott was now in Grade 1 he was previously in Class C3. Abbott had entire charge of the office of Messrs. Davidson & Co. It was unfair, Mr. George thought, to put a man from Category C3 into Grade 1. - Major Boyce said he should be glad in this case to have a re-examination. - The conditional exemption was withdrawn, and one month’s exemption granted, Abbott meantime to be medically re-graded.
The National Service representative asked for the review of the exemption granted to T. F. Chambers, 39, Grade 1, married, engineer for the Central Machinery Co. Mr. Pack, for the firm, said that on the outbreak of war they had 32 men, now they had only five, and Chambers was one of them. They were busy all the time repairing shoe machinery. - Mr. Horrell: It is very essential that no more of these men should be taken. They repair machinery not only for the shoe manufacturers but also for the curriers. - The conditional exemption in this case was cancelled, and three months’ exemption granted, the V.T.C. condition being waived, as a good deal of Sunday work has to be done.
On the application of the National Service representative, the Tribunal reviewed the case of C. W. Norman, 29, Grade 1, married, bakery manager for Mrs. Corbett. The Chairman said that in this case the Tribunal had given exemption until the Military Authorities could find a substitute. Mr. Knight: We are very anxious that the business should not be closed. - The previous exemption was withdrawn, and two months’ open exemption given, or until the Military find a substitute.
An appeal as a conscientious objector was made by Claude F. Blinco, aged 18, single, and the application was supported by appellant’s mother. Appellant said he had been a Seventh Day Adventist ever since he was seven or eight years old. - The appeal was dismissed.
A personal appeal was made by Percy Panter, 36, Grade 2, operator of a Puller-over machine in a shoe factory. He was previously released by the employer, but was not de-certified under the new regulations as to age and grade. - Three months’ open exemption was given.
The National Service representative asked for the review of the case of Chas. E. Rogers, 28, Grade 2, branch manager for the Co-operative Society. Mr. Wigginton, secretary of the society, said that the case had been before the Special Advisory Committee, who recommended that he should have exemption until the end of September, final. - The Tribunal endorsed this.
In the case of W. C. Crawley, 23, single, Grade 2, it was stated that he had been rejected five times, and was now being treated by Dr. Bullock, tuberculosis officer. - Exemption was granted to December 31st, the National Service representative not opposing this.
On the recommendation of the Advisory Committee, exemption until December 31st was granted in the following cases: W. Alderman, aged 44 (Grade 2); W. Holley, 47 (1); A. J. Jones, 45 (2); H. Thompson, 44 (2); Harry Payne, 44 (1); F. E. Wills, 45 (2); J. T. Bettles, 45 (2); W. Tomlinson, 45 (2); S. Saint, 45 (1); W. E. Billington, 44 (1); Owen Berry, 50 (2); E. C. Linnitt, 37 (2); T. J. Crick, 42 (2); J. Harrison, 45 (1); W. G. Busby, 44 (2).
The Advisory Committee recommended exemption to February 19th in the following cases: J. Timson, 40 (3); J. T. Stanbridge, 42 (3); T. M. Hopwood, 39 (3). The Tribunal agreed.
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Rushden Echo, 30th August 1918
Rushden Tribunal Criticised
“Inclined to take a Lenient View”
Three National Service appeals against exemptions given by the Rushden Tribunal were heard by the Northants Appeals Tribunal on Friday last, and in each case the decision given at Rushden was altered.
In the case of Fredk. James Knight, aged 30, Grade 1, married, proprietor of two pork butchers’ shops at Rushden, Mr. W. George (solicitor) resisted the military appeal. The County Tribunal gave exemption until November 1st, but made this final. – Mr. Dulley, National Service representative, said he would review the other cases of pork butchers of military age in Rushden.
Mr. W. George appeared also to resist the military appeal in the case of F. A. Austin, 30, Grade 1, married, son of Mr. John Austin, oil and petrol merchant, covering a large number of villages and towns. It was explained that the father, being physically unfit to do the travelling over such a wide area, had taken up work of national importance, and that the son was now carrying on the business single-handed. – The County Tribunal attached finality to the certificate of exemption.
In the case of William Brown, aged 32, Category A, manager and secretary of the Central Machinery Co., Rushden, Mr. George resisted the military appeal on behalf of the firm. – Exemption was granted until November 15th, final.
The Chairman of the County Tribunal (Mr. S. G. Stopford Sackville) expressed the opinion that the Rushden Tribunal seemed inclined to deal leniently with the cases.
Mr. Dulley said there were a number of others in regard to which he could apply for review if the County Tribunal required it.
The Chairman said it was important that all districts should as far as possible be brought into line.
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Rushden Echo, 13th September 1918
Rushden Military Tribunal
Many Cases Dealt With
Monday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., C. W. Horrell, and C. Cross, C.C., with Mr. G. S. Mason (clerk) and Mr. H. Dulley (National Service representative).
Six months’ exemption was given in the case of Harold Geary, 34, clerk at the factory of Mr. C. W. Horrell. The case had been adjourned for medical re-examination, and the grading had been reduced from Grade 1 to 3. Mr. Dulley said that, if the Tribunal so advised, he could be released from the V.T.C., of which he is now a member, and the Tribunal advised that he be so released.
In the adjourned case of E. Wadsworth, 34, Grade 1, coach builder, etc., whose partner and brother is in the Forces, the War Agricultural Committee are about to issue a protection certificate. – Three months’ exemption given.
Herbert Deacon, formerly “boots” at the Queen Victoria Hotel, 43, Grade 2, whose case was adjourned in order that he might find work of national importance, said he was now putting in full time in a shoe factory. – Three months’ exemption, and the Volunteer condition waived on account of deafness.
J. Robshaw Brooke, a pawnbroker’s manager, aged 41, reduced to Grade 3, was given six months’ exemption.
Arthur Okins, 40, Category A, cycle and motor engineer, who is now taking over the business of his late brother, was given three months’ exemption, and the V.T.C. condition waived.
In the case of A. E. Sumpter, aged 38, Category A, certified sanitary plumber, in the employ of Mr. F. Caswell, the Chairman said that the town is understaffed with regard to plumbers. – Three months’ exemption, Mr. Dulley intimating that he should appeal against this decision.
John William Clark, 31, Grade 1, clicker for Messrs. Jaques and Clark, made a personal appeal on the ground of his wife’s illness, and also stated that the eye specialist said that the right eye was useless for rifle firing. – Appeal dismissed.
Mr. W. W. George, solicitor, appealed in the case of W. J. Bone, departmental manager to Messrs. H. W. Chapman and Co. – Personal appeal dismissed, as protection certificate has been issued.
David Nicholson, 43, Grade 1, engineer, was granted three months’ exemption. He now holds a protection certificate.
In the case of Baden Cecil Groom, aged 18, Grade 1, a month’s adjournment was decided upon in order that he might be re-examined by the Medical Board, as he is under the care of Dr. Bullock, tuberculosis officer.
On the appeal of the National Service representative, the conditional exemption given in July, 1916, to Horace William Ellingham, 37, grocer, Grade 2, was withdrawn, and he was granted three months’ temporary exemption. As he is working his business single-handed and is also looking after the business of his brother, who is in the Army, the V.T.C. condition was waived.
The National Service representative asked for the review of the case of Edmund Austin, 47, Grade 3, but subsequently withdrew the request.
Ernest J. Woolston, 35, Grade 2, hairdresser and tobacconist, previously in Category C3, now in Grade 2, was given a month’s exemption, to be re-examined. Mr. Dulley said that applicant was not decertified.
Six months’ exemption was given to Harry Jaques, boot manufacturer, Harborough-road, aged 28, Grade 2, who had four times been rejected.
Two months’ exemption (final) was given to J. T. Bates, 38, Grade 1, benchman in a factory, who also has two acres of land on the Court Estate, with stock and poultry. Mr. Dulley said that applicant is now de-certified.
Three months’ exemption was given, on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee to the following: S. Watson, aged 40, Grade 2; T. E. Underwood, 41, Grade 1; Harry Pettit, 42, Grade 2; E. C. Swingler, 42, Grade 2; and W. Mason, 41, Grade 2.
In the following cases three months’ exemption was given on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee: J. A. Barnwell, 41; R. Robinson, 36; W. J. Barker, 36; W. Marriott, 41; and T. W. Denton, 28, all Grade 3, and to W. J. Lack, 44, Grade 1.
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Rushden Echo, 20th September 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins
Appeal Dismissed – At the Northants Appeals Tribunal on Friday last in the case of Claude F. Blenco, aged 18, single, Grade 2, shoe finisher, Rushden, the mother made an appeal. She had two other sons, of whom one has been killed and the other wounded, and the husband is an invalid. The lad had made a conscientious application, which was dismissed by the Rushden Tribunal. Captain Cook submitted that there was no appeal against this dismissal; and that, not being the only surviving son of a widow, the other ground must fail. The lad claimed to have sent answers to the conscientious application questions, but owing to a misunderstanding no appeal was sent in. Capt. Cook agreed to the conscience claim being heard, but the Tribunal decided there was no appeal before them.
The personal appeal of George Childs, aged 36, married, Category A, foreman shoemaker, Rushden, at the County Tribunal on Friday last, was dismissed, the applicant not to be called up before October 31st.
A Conscientious Objector, Wilfred F. Watts, aged 28, single, a school teacher at Rushden, appealed to the County Tribunal last Friday for a renewal of his exemption. On the occasion of his former application the appellant, who was teaching in Ireland, was allowed to continue in the Irish school until the end of the term, and then to join the Friends' Ambulance Unit.—Appellant now said that the term was over in July last, and he was training in the ambulance camp.—Six months' exemption was granted conditional on joining the Friends' Ambulance Unit.
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Rushden Echo, 27th September 1918
Rushden Military Tribunal
Boot Manufacturers’ Exemptions
National Service Appeals
Monday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., C. Bates, C. W. Horrell, and C. Cross, C.C., with Mr. G. S. Mason (clerk) and Mr. H. Dulley (National Service representative).
Fredk. Victor Abbott, aged 25, Grade 2, single, confidential clerk and cashier to Messrs. Davidson and Co. Mr. W. George, solicitor, appeared, and said that Abbott had been re-examined; he was rejected on attestation, then put in Category C3, afterwards (last May) in Grade 1, and was now reduced to Grade 2. When in Category C3 he was given conditional exemption. He (Mr. George) recognised that a Grade 2 man, aged 25, could not long remain out of the Army, but the circumstances were exceptional, one of the two directors of the firm being ill and the doctor saying he must do no work for three or four months. – Mr. Dulley suggested that the conditional exemption should be withdrawn, and he would undertake that the man should not be called up for two months. – The Tribunal concurred.
Cases Reviewed
The following cases were reviewed on the appeal of the National Service representative:-
Joseph Fleckner, aged 30, Grade 2. In this case it was stated that the man could not march, and Mr. Dulley withdrew his appeal.
Ernest E. East, 35, Grade 1, married, master plumber and carpenter, said that all his men had gone, and his step-son, who worked in the business, had been killed in the war. – The Clerk: At his age Mr. East is in a certified occupation. – The National Service appeal was dismissed, the Chairman stating that the Tribunal regarded it as essential that the business should be carried on. – Mr. Dulley said he should have to appeal in this case.
J. H. Nicholson, 35, Grade 1, boot manufacturer, employing about 32 hands. – Mr. Dulley said this business was started after the commencement of the war, but Mr. Nicholson said he started in 1912, and produced evidence to that effect. – Mr. James, solicitor, appeared for Mr. Nicholson. – The Chairman: If this man was a foreman in his own factory he would be in a certified occupation. – Applicant: I am my own foreman; they have taken everyone else, and I have none left that can be called up. – The military appeal was dismissed, and it was decided to refer the case to the County Shoe Trade Panel Committee.
Mr. J. C. Wilson, solicitor, appeared in the case of S. J. Wrighton, 30, Grade 1, boot manufacturer, son of Mr. Ebenezer Wrighton. – Mr. Dulley: He is in business with his father. A similar case has been before the County Tribunal, and finality was imposed. – Mr. Horrell said that the case Mr. Dulley referred to had not been before the Shoe Trade Panel Committee. – Mr. Wilson said that three months’ exemption was given to Mr. Wrighton by the Tribunal a couple of months ago, and this application looked like a dodge on the part of the military to get in a late appeal. Mr. E. Wrighton could not carry on the business, the management for the last seven years having been deputed to the son. One brother was on active service. – Mr. Dulley said this was not a dodge on his part, but the case seemed on all fours with the one which had been before the County Tribunal. – The Tribunal adjourned the case, in order that it might go before the Shoe Trade Panel.
Robert Chas. Cunnington, 37, Grade 1, partner in the firm of Cunnington Brothers, boot manufacturers. – Mr. Wilson appeared and said that Mr. Isaac Cunnington’s brother died ten years ago, and then his nephew (Mr. R. C. Cunnington) was taken into partnership, and was the working manager. He was one of those men who were treated as being in the certified occupation list. Mr. Isaac Cunnington was physically unable to carry on the business himself. – In answer to Mr. Dulley, it was stated that there was a brother in the factory who was rejected from the Army. – Adjourned, to go to the Panel.
Horace Wright, 33, Grade 1, boot manufacturer, said he had no partner. He employed about 50 hands. He started in business in December, 1914, when there was a great demand for Army boots and when men of his age were not asked for. – Adjourned, to go to the Panel.
Harry E. Wilmott, 35, Grade 1, son of Mr. Arthur Wilmott, with whom he is in partnership. Mr. Wilson said that the certified occupation list applied to principals as well as to workpeople, and this man acted as foreman of the rough-stuff, lasting, and bottoming departments. Even if he were employed in that capacity by his father, he would automatically receive six months’ exemption – Adjourned, to go to the Panel Committee.
Chas. W. Norman, 29, Grade 1, baker for Mrs. Corbett. – Mr. Dulley said that the reason he had raised this case was because the terms offered by Mrs. Corbett for a substitute for Norman were unreasonable. – The National Service appeal was dismissed, the Chairman stating that the Tribunal felt they could not leave Mrs. Corbett without someone to manage the business, as her livelihood depended upon it.
In the case of Fredk. Clark, 35, Grade 1, motor carrier, Mr. Dulley said that a covering certificate should be applied for from the Road Board. Clark: If I worked for anybody else I should be in a certified occupation. I run a regular service between Rushden and Northampton, four tons of goods each way. – The Clerk: It is within the discretion of the Tribunal to make this a certified occupation at his age. – The National Service appeal was dismissed.
Renewals
William A. Fathers, reporter, 31, Grade 2. Mr. Wilson, solicitor, appeared and said this was a certified occupation if the Director of National Service agreed that it should be so treated. – Mr. Dulley said he was prepared to accept two months’ open exemption, and the Tribunal agreed.
Henry W. Allen, 41, Grade 1, bench-man in the shoe trade, made a personal appeal for the renewal of his exemption on the ground of his wife’s ill-health. – Three months’ exemption.
Harry Cave, 38, Grade 2, edge-setter, was given six months, and it was stated that he would be protected for that occupation at that age even if in Grade 1.
Walter Knighton, 44, Grade 1, formerly a baker, now a tanner, was given six months’ exemption.
On the recommendation of the Advisory Committee, four months’ exemption was given in the following cases: Alfred Crouch, 42, Grade 2; W. G. Hardwick, 39, Grade 2; John Whitehead, 48, Grade 1. The following men, all in Grade 3, were given six months’ exemption; Chas. A. White, 28, Stanley Watson, 20; Bernard C. Tomkins, 33, Bertram Booth, 39, Herbert W. Wooding, 40.
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Rushden Echo, 4th October 1918
Rushden Military Tribunal
Boot Manufacturers’ Exemptions
Monday, present: Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., C. Bates, C. W. Horrell, and C. Cross, C.C., with Mr. G. S. Mason (clerk) and Mr. H. Dulley (National Service representative).
The case of Arthur Allebone, aged 27, Grade 2, partner in a boot manufacturing firm, was adjourned, pending the decision of the County Shoe Trade Panel Committee, to which it was referred.
Three months’ exemption was granted to Sydney Robinson, aged 40, Grade 1, who has sole control of the firm of Messrs. T. Robinson and Sons, boot manufacturers. It was stated that, in addition to being a director and the secretary of the company, he is the only responsible person in charge.
An appeal for Walter Alfred Clifford Finch, assistant at the Co-operative Stores, aged 18, Grade 2, was made by his mother, a widow, on the ground of domestic hardship. Mrs. Finch said that her husband served in the South African War and subsequently died (in 1905) from the effects of the campaign, and this son was her main support. – The Clerk: The Tribunal have no power to grant exemption at that age except on conscientious grounds or on the grounds of ill-health. – The Chairman: We have no option in the case, but there will be an allowance from the Government and an extra allowance for all widowed mothers whose sole support is taken from them.
William Ashford, 37, Grade 1, partner in the firm of Messrs. Ashford and Campion, boot heel manufacturers, was represented by Mr. J. C. Wilson, solicitor, who said that both partners were working foremen, and they were the only men in the factory with the exception of a Grade 3 man who drove the motor lorry. If employed by anyone else he would be in a certified occupation. – Mr. Dulley suggested that this case should go to the Shoe Trade Panel Committee, and the Tribunal adopted this course.
Six months’ exemption was, on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee, granted in the cases of the following men, all of the new military age, and all in Grade 1:- Chas. H. Knight, Walter Hy. Ayres, Bert E. Sanders, Robert Tusting, Thomas G. Jervic, Arthur Thomas Hills, Thomas Whitby, Harry Giles, James A. Weld, Charles Sturgen, Harry M. Seckington, Wm. Hy. Pingstone, and James W. Bright.
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Rushden Echo, 18th October 1918
LOCAL TRIBUNAL – Monday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., and C. Cross, C.C., with the Clerk (Mr. G. S. Mason) and the National Service representative. – Six months’ exemption was given in the following cases: William Wooding, Samuel Cross, Fredk. Webb, A. Gramshaw, Benjamin Dickens, T. H. Nichols, Robert Shaw, James Roe, Charles F. Snelson, E. J. Woolston, James Britten, and Alfred Desborough. Four months’ exemption was given to the following: Fredk. W. Clark, Herbert Skinner, John Darnell, Andrew W. Dickens, and George W. Minney. – Mr. Dulley brought forward the cases of a number of boot manufacturers and others whose appeals had been sent to the Shoe Trade Panel. According to the regulations, cases sent to the Panel Committee had to be dealt with within 12 days or they went direct to the County Tribunal. In these cases, Mr. Dulley said, considerably more than 12 days had elapsed, and nothing had been heard from the Panel Committee. Therefore, he should have to take the cases to the County Tribunal.
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Rushden Echo, 1st November 1918
Rushden Military Tribunal
Many Exemptions Granted
Monday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., C. Bates, C. Cross, C.C., and C. W. Horrell, with Mr. G. S. Mason (clerk) and Mr. H. Dulley (National Service representative).
Six months’ exemption was granted in the following cases: Frederick Richardson, aged 37, Grade I, heel maker, a conscientious objector; Wilfred E. Capon, 33, II, secretary and manager for Messrs. John Cave and Sons, Ltd.; Ernest Alfred Sugars, 37, I, edge setter; Fredk. W. Leeson, 36, II, mechanic for the Lightstrung Co.; Thomas H. Denton, 30, I, engineer, manager of the Lightstrung Co.; Ralph Bond, 38, II, shoe finisher, who has seven young children and cultivates 70 poles of allotment; William Frank Sergent, 36, I, boot manufacturer, and a lieutenant in the Volunteers; Baden Cecil Groom, 18, formerly in Grade I, but now permanently and totally rejected by the Medical Board as unfit for any form of military service, now engaged in agriculture.
Four months’ exemption was, on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee, granted in the following cases: W. A. Brett, aged 42, Grade II; G. H. Cook, 40, II; F. G. Lilley, 37, I; D. Magee, 38, II; H. C. Neville, 37, II; E. F. Green, 37, II; C. A. Hawes, 33, II; F. C. Underwood, 38, II; H. J. Tuffery, 43, I; C. J. Newton, 39, II; F. J. Carr, 40, I; A. W. Jacques, 35, II; C. H. Tansey, 36, II; P. J. Corbett, 34, 2; Jos. Fleckner, 30 II; Hy. Chettle, 37, II; W. E. Sargent, 39, II; J. S. Taylor, 43, II.
On the recommendation of the Advisory Committee the Tribunal granted six months’ exemption in the following cases: W. H. Moody, aged 49, Grade II; Ernest Hollis, 44, II; B. Smith, 49, II; F. A. Smith, 41, III; W. J. Wood, 49, II; W. Boddington, 49, II; Fredk. Hart, 46, II; H. T. Gates, 48, II; Alfred Clarke, 50, II; W. H. Keller, 44, II; W. T. L. Flood, 42, III; Arthur Peck, 45, II; F. J. Sargent, 49, II; W. H. Spicer, 42, II; A. Packwood, 42, I.
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Rushden Echo, 15th November 1918
TRIBUNAL – Monday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., C. Bates, and C. Cross, C.C., with Mr. G. S. Mason (clerk) and Mr. John S. Mason (National Service representative). In 18 cases the Advisory Committee recommended four months’ exemption, and in 16 cases six months’ exemption. In view of the cessation of hostilities, however, the Tribunal, on the motion of Mr. Knight, seconded by Mr. Cross, decided to give six months in each instance, and they adopted the same course in another batch of appeals handed in by the National Service Representative. At the outset of the sitting the Chairman said: I congratulate you on the splendid news of the glorious victory which has come to our Armies in France and other theatres of war. The Germans, for many years before 1914, looked forward to “The Day.” We have been looking forward to this day. This is our day, and it has proved to the world once more that right, and not might, shall prevail. We had hoped that this would be the last meeting of our Tribunal, but the Clerk says we may possibly have another meeting. This Tribunal has been in existence for three years, and, though our actions at time have been criticised, I can speak for the whole of the members when I say that we have tried to carry out, not the letter of the law but the spirit of it.
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