MILITARY SERVICE OBJECTORS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27373, 11 June 1954, Page 5

MILITARY SERVICE OBJECTORS

TWO MEN DIRECTED TO CIVIL WORK

Max Alexander Herron, aged 20, a machinist, pleaded guilty in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday to a charge of failing to attend a military camp on April 22. Mr Raymond Ferner, S.M., fined him £5.

Herron was also placed on probation for one year, subject to the conditions stated in the Military Training Act, and including direction to work of a civil nature for a period of 158 days. Senior-Sergeant A. B. Collinge, who prosecuted, said that Herron was previously fined £5 for not reporting to camp at Burnham. Herron said he was a conscientious objector and was still of the same mind and would not do military service.

Mr N. H. Buchanan, who appeared for Herron, said that Herron was still a conscientious objector, and found himself unable to undertake any form of military, service. Unfortunately his application to have his name placed on the conscientious objectors’ roll was declined. Herron could not be sentenced to imprisonment, but could be fined an amount not exceeding £5O or he could be placed on probation, a condition being that he paid into the Consolidated Fund an amount that would ensure he was no better off than a private in the Army for the full period of his service. Herron was willing to do that and had made such an offer to the Labour Department. “Herron is quite sincere, and I hope the department does not continue to bring charges against him,” said counsel. Similar Case Heard Brian Leslie Murray also pleaded guilty to failing to attend a military camp on April 22. He was fined £5 and placed on probation for one year subject to the conditions in the Military Training Act, and including a direction to work of a civil nature for 158 days, equal to the full period of compulsory training. Senior-Sergeant Collinge said the case was on all fours with the preceding one. Murray was a conscientious objector, but his appeal to have his name placed on the conscientious objectors’ list was dismissed. Murray was prepared to do work of a constructive nature provided it did not come under the military. Murray told the Court he wanted to emphasise that he was quite willing to do alternative service.