| Description | North Riding appeal tribunal number: 4085
Appeal against conscription of: John Leadley
Age: 39
Address: 20 Flowergate, Whitby
Occupation: Tailor
Local tribunal: Whitby Urban District Council
Central tribunal: No
Military Service Act 1916 or Attested: Attested
Grounds for appeal: d) serious hardship
Appellant: John Leadley
Summary of case: I am a master tailor in business on my own account at 20 Flowergate Whitby. I have been in business on my own account for 11 years eight in Ruswarp and three at this address. I purchased the stock and business for Mr Ripley, the late owner in May 1914. The whole of my savings and also some of my wifes are invested in the business. I am a married man with wife and child dependent on me and if I were called to the Colours there is no one else who could carry on the business as I have no one who can measure and cut out clothes in the business. This work I do entirely myself and therefor if called to the Army I should have to close down. I may say that the work of my trade is chiefly with the farmers and farm servants in the district and I have a large amount of work in hand, but I shall not be paid for a great deal until Martinmas and Xmas, when the servants wages are paid. I have a considerable financial obligation still outstanding to my Vendor, and I rely on my business (and so does he) for discharging this. I have three workmen now, two whole time, and one part time, all ineligible for the Army. Three of my previous employees have left me for the Army. One of these has been killed in the War. My stock I value at about £150 and I have from £100. To £130 in book debts. My liabilities in the business are between £150 and £200. My work is work of necessity as people much have clothes. If my business were closed down I do not see how it can be revived as I have not the capital to enable me to start again. In the circumstances I ask for conditional exemption. [See also NRCC/CL 9/1/2793]
Supporting evidence: Yes
Date and decision of North Riding Appeal Tribunal: 13 Aug 1917 Allowed to 1 Dec 1917 Final |