YOUNG MAN’S APPEAL

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 109, 1 February 1941, Page 12

YOUNG MAN’S APPEAL

Conscientious Objection On Political Ground DISMISSED BY BOARD A young man who cited hardship to lii.s mother and members of, his family as the result of the death of his father in the Great: War in support of his appeal against military service on the ground of conscientious objection had his appeal dismissed by the Wellington Armed Forces Appeal Board yesterday. The hom'd comprised Mr. W. F. Stilwell. S.M., Mr. I’.- Coyle and Mr. A. Parlane, with Mr. C. O. Bell as Crown representative and Mr. D. Roundhill secretary. Appellant was William Molt’ar Law, baker's labourer. In support of his appeal he said lye was opposed to war on conscientious grounds, because he was a member of the New Zealand Socialist Party, which had always been opposed to war. He had been born in Scotland while his father was on active service in 1917, and his father had been killed shortly afterward. His mother had been left to support three small children, aud overwork and financial worries had hastened her death. He had come to New Zealand with his two brothers. “I will not bear arms against my fellow-workers in any country, nor will I assist in any capacity in any army which is engaged in the slaughter of my fellow-men,” he said. Mr. Bell: You are not a conscientious objector on religious grounds?—No. if a person attacked you, would you defend yourself?—l would call a policeman. •, , > •> And if there was none available.'— I would do my best to defend myself. You want to put yourself in the position of being the judge when force is necessary?—Every person is entitled to do that. Could a nation exist if every person was allowed to decide when force was necessary?—You are trying to trip me. We require a police force to keep law and order.—Under the present system. That is the only one we can deal with. You had an unfortunate experience through the last war? —I might describe it as a typical one. Your opinion is political?—lt is based on conscience and experience. Mr. Bell submitted that it was fair to say that appellant was not a conscientious objector as contemplated ny the regulations. A letter was produced from the New Zealand Socialist Party certifying that appellant had been four years associated 'with it. Appellant handed in some Socialist Party literature. The chairman quoted a heading from one pamphlet: “Let capitalists fight their own wars.’’ He asked appellant if he subscribed to that. Appellant: Yes. Then the only allegiance you bear to New Zealand in its difficulties is the opportunity of earning a livelihood. 'The appeal was 'dismissed. Appellant: Is there any right of appeal. The chairman: No.