WHY HE CAME TO DOMINION

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 119, 13 February 1941, Page 9

WHY HE CAME TO DOMINION

International Socialist

“I came to New Zealand because, as far as my knowledge went, the policy of the Government here approximated the nearest to my ideals and I bad understood them to have pledged themselves to no conscription,” said Ronald James Frank Armstrong, commercial artist, an appellant on conscientious grounds before the No. 4 Armed Forces Appeal Board at. Wellington yesterday. Appellant said he arrived in New Zealand from England on May 31, 1939. His reasons for leaving England were partly personal and economic and partly because in view of bis convictions he could not have supported the British Government in its inevitable attitude in the event of further demands by Germany. At a time when others were lighting for what they honestly believed right, it was his privilege to do likewise. He was an international Socialist, but did not belong to such ah organization. The most important part he could play at present was to witness against war and keep alive the virtues of peace. He would serve in the Civil Guard 1 , provided it had no military purpose, but not as a condition of exemption from war service. If the appeal went against him he could not recognize the decision and would face 'the Consequences. The appeal was dismissed. 1