DEFAULTERS

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24329, 7 August 1944, Page 6

DEFAULTERS

Sir,—l would like to assure members of the Returned Services’ Association that there are many men in defaulters’ detention and prison who are just as sincere as any conscientious objector exempted by the appeal boards. What is sought for them is not preference over the men who are fighting, but simple justice in accordance with the stated intention of the Government. Instead of being treated judicially, apEeals, particularly in some centres, ave been dealt with on a basis of caprice or primitive emotion. There are many injustices in war, but this is one that New Zealand people can. if they will, eliminate —to their credit anti for the well-being of the community.—Yours. etc., C. D. LANE. August 3, 1944.

Sir,—With reference to the opposition by the Returned Services’ Association to the petition requesting the release of military defaulters now in camps and prisons. Mr J. K. Moloney is reported to have said: “Very few men have been sent to these camps unjustly.” Even if Mr Moloney were in the position of being able to pass such judgment, the question remains, if only orfe man had been imprisoned unjustly, does not that in itself warrant a review of the whole position? But why this hostility to the petition? It asks only that the system here be brought into line with the system in England. One is surprised that so patriotic body as the Returned Services’ Association should resent the proposal to adopt a policy which is at present being carried out in Britain and with the full support of the British Government.—Yours. etc.. M. G. TOWNEND. August 1, 1944.