“NO CONSCIENCE”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 249, 2 August 1941, Page 3

“NO CONSCIENCE”

STRONG CONDEMNATION. REFUSING TO SERVE COUNTRY. (P A.),INVERCARGILL, August 1. Conscientious objectors not prepared to do alternative service 'were strongly condemned by several speakers at today’s meeting of the Southland Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union.

In introducing a motion from the Balfour branch, Mr E. W. Stevens said that it was apparent from the reports of appeals that in some instances all the relevant facts had not been brought before the Board. Mr Stevens moved the following motion—- “ That this executive supports the proposal of the'Gore R.S.A. to form district committees of that organisation to give evidence on conscientious objectors and other appeals.”’ “It is high time something was done,” said Mr D. H. O’Brien, in seconding the motion. Not only were there, conscientious objectors but there some men taking refuge behind cows or old: ewes. He was satisfied that 1 men refusing to serve their country hall Up;conscience. If they had any conscience at all'they would realise whati the armed forces were doing to defend their cause and the great work being done by the women of Great Britain. There were no men more fitted for saying who should go to war than returnfed soldiers. The motion was /carried. The following motion was also carried: “That conscientious objectors who refuse alternative service le drafted to essential production at soldiers’ rates of pay without soldiers’ benefits, and that they be deprived of their civil rights for. a term of 10 years. * CASES FOR EARLY REVIEW. POSTPONEMENTS OF SERVICE

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 1. , “It is intended that married men shall not be called up till steps drive been taken to ensure that all single men who can be released for the Arm* . ed Forces have been called up,” the Rt. 'Hon. R. Semple said in an interview, “Adjournments previously granted’ will be reviewed by the Appeal Boards as quickly as possible.’’ Answering questions as to the general procedure on appeals for mm called in ballots and the submission of evidence to an Armed Forces Appeal Board, Mr Semple said the National Service Department instituted a diree-< tor’s appeal only in exceptional circumstances. The onus of instituting an appeal rested primarily on the man called up or his employer. “I have already made it clear that the Government.does not intend to repart from its policy of. declining to regard any industry or occupation as • completely or permanently reserved.” he said. The only one way by which a postponement of the military service of a fit man could be procured Was an appeal to an Appeal Board, and all cases were dealt with on their merits. There was ’no authority for the exorcise of Ministerial or official discretion on individual appeals.