ANOTHER OBJECTOR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 70, 15 December 1917, Page 8

ANOTHER OBJECTOR

NOT IN SYMPATHY WITH WAR, A motor mechanic named William .Petty was one of the reservists who appeared before the Third WellingtonMilitary Service Board yesterday. An appeal had hecn lodged on his behalf by his employers,, Messrs. Davidson and Co..'who represented,.through Mr. Kirkciildie, that lie-was an expert who could not easily bo replaced. There was a shortage of skilled labour in the industry. ■ The members of the board had some information regarding tho reservist, who had not mado any appeal on his own account. The chairman (Mr. D. *M. Findlay) asked if it was a fact that Petty, when taking employment with the firm about four mouths ago. had' refused to tTain an ''understudy," and had said that if ho provided a substitute for himself his employers would not support his appeal against military service. "That is a most deliberate lie," said Ihe reservist, warmly. "I said that 1 would do all in my power to train the other man to tako my place." Then the chairman read an extract from a letter that had been, written by Petty to a. friend in tcamp, Petty had agreed tliat the.open-air life, with regular exercise, was a good thing.for a man, and bad added, "I would only "ue tea anxious for the life, if I could only bo in sympathy witli the motive." Tho board wanted to know what this sentence meant. "I object to taking life, and I cannot say that I am in sympathy with tlic war," said Petty. The chairman: I think- that in view of that declaration the employers should withdraw this appeal. ' ' Mr. Kirkcaltlie said tho employers did not wish to assist th« man to evade 'service. They had not had any knowlodi;o of liis views regarding the war, and had made the appeal purely on business grounds. After a hurried discussion: ilie appeal was withdrawn. Petty then asked if ho could make a statement on bis own account. Captain Baldwin: We have no appeal from yon, and your employers' appeal has been withdrawn. The Karori Defence Hide Club will fire tho fourth match of its second scries this afternoon, at ranges of GOO and 700 yards. Bright summer days suggest yon should keep well dressed. .Sco om- high-clase finite, made of boat Coloninl Twpctls and Worsteds, £1, M 10s., and .£5 ss. Goo. PoMdds, Ltd., Manners Street.—Advt.