THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 188, 11 August 1941, Page 6

THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR

THE two principles which the Acting-Prime Minister declared should be applicable to conscientious objectors—the first, that financially they should enjoy no advantage over the serving soldier, and the second, that they should be prepared to serve the community in the place where they can be of the greatest value, are likely to be generally approved. Much of the irritation which is widespread in the community concerning the "C.0." is due to the thought that so far he has been required to make no sacrifice for his scruples. According to Mr. Nash, all men whose appeals have been allowed, or dismissed with the proviso that they shall undertake alternative, or non-combatant, service, are now to go before tribunals, which the Government has already and wisely chosen. The function of these tribunals is not yet clear, nor did Mr. Nash specify the kind of alternative service which the Government has in mind, but it may be-expected that the points in doubt will be clarified by the regulations soon forthcoming. It is, however, clear that men who defy all authority are to be detained and segregated, and if their conduct is still anti-social they will be liable to imprisonment in gaol. In general, the proposals seem well designed to separate the genuine from the fraudulent objector, and to ensure that all shall do service of some kind during the war. It should be the object of the Government to. ensure also that the men shall pay for the trouble and expense of their special treatment.