OBJECTOR’S ATTACK ON MINISTERS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 109, 1 February 1941, Page 13

OBJECTOR’S ATTACK ON MINISTERS

Conscientious Appellant

SERVICE ON OVERSEAS SHIP SOUGHT

A man who said he would not assist to defend New Zealand if it was attacked, but would undertake service on au overseas merchant ship. Ronald Parks, labourer, appeal against overseas service before the Wellington Armed Forces Appeal Board yesterday, on the groun'd of conscientious objection. His appeal was dismissed. On being informed of the decision, he said to the board: “You will have to take the responsibility of turning a law-abiding citizen into a lawbreaker.” In his statement Parks said: “I do not value my life or property, or the lives or property of auy man that I would take human life to maintain same. lu this respect I acknowledge my Creator." He said he suffered from neurasthenia, and reacted unfavourably to compulsion or intimidation of any kind. Politically, he had lack of sympathy with the present Government. “I ask that I be acknowledged as a free man in order that I may take my place in the British mercantile marine as cook or deckhand in any Home boat quitting New Zealand shores.” The chairman, Mr. W. F. Stilwell, informed Parks that the board had no jurisdiction regarding his wish to serve at sea. If he was accepted for an overseas ship then it was a matter for the military authorities. To Mr. C. O. Bell, Crown representative, Parks said he was born in New Zealand. He had not been to sea before. He had conscientious objection to serving in any branch of the armed forces.

Mr. Bell: If you served on a ship going overseas it would be armed, and carrying produce to assist the war effort. Have you any objection to that?—No. If New Zealand was attacked would you assist to defend it?—No. Why?—On conscientious grounds. I acknowledge m.v life to be the landmark of God, and the same applies to other men. To take another’s life would be breaking the law of God. Mr. Bell: What law? —“Thou shalt not kill.”

Appellant sai'd he had held this belief since he was 18 or 19. He belonged to no religion, but was christened in the Church of England. He had not publicly expressed pacifist views, but to his friends. He did not believe in force in any circumstances. Mr. Bell; What is your political opinion or belief?—-My conviction is that a country stands or falls by its Government, and this one has at its head men without honour. What is your ground for such a statement? —I have no sympathy with a government some of the heads of which denied the British flag in the last war and now one of them, as Minister of National Service, tries to dictate to me what I should do. Mr. Bell: Are you not putting yourself in the same category?—l admire the British flag and the King. Mr. Beil: But you refuse to serve them. Is not the fact that you are against organized society the reason for your beliefs?—Yes.