CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23715, 13 August 1942, Page 3

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION

OPPOSITION TO MILITARY CONTROL

In his appeal for exemption from military service on grounds of conscience a reservist. Edmund Lawrence Stockdale, a seed cleaner, said he was a member of the Christian Assembly and opposed taking part in anything under military control. He objected even to non-combatant service. He said that work under military control would not be pleasing to God. Mr E. A. Lee: Don’t you think helping the wounded would be pleasing to God?

Reservist: I don’t think so. Not unless it was under civilian control. Mr Lee: What difference would it make to you? Presuming there was a case of national disaster and the Army and Navy were sent in to help the homeless; do you think that would please God? Reservist: I’ve never considered it. "Well, consider it now,” replied Mr Lee. "Do you know that in the Napier earthquake the Navy was called in to help in the rescue work? Do you think God was pleased?” The reservist said he did not think he would wear a uniform of any kind, but said that he might wear one if uniform clothes were prescribed for civilians. He had got his life from God, and he wanted to give it back to Him. He objected to taking orders from the Army, and a civilian employer could not force him to do anything. ■ , . Mr G. M. Hall: If the country was put under martial law would you accept food from the Army? The reservist said he _ would have to experience that, and in answer to a question as to whether he would take cover in a shelter dug by soldiers he said: "No. I don’t think God would let me down.” . Dr. Haslam asked why the reservist had not joined the E.P.S., as it was not under military control. Reservist said he thought it wa. under military control. Dr. Haslam: The fact is you want to shirk your duty as long as you can. , Decision was reserved.