APPEAL ALLOWED

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 120, 14 February 1941, Page 9

APPEAL ALLOWED

Member Of Society Of Friends (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, February 13. Among appellants against military service, who appeared before the Armed .Services Appeal Board at New Plymouth today, was a 21-year-old farm hand, who said that since he was seven years old he had belonged to the Society of Friends. He objected to any service under military control. The appeal was allowed, the board recommending that alternative service be granted. His father produced evidence of membership of the society. Twentylive years ago he and his live brothers bad been conscientious objectors, said witness. During the past 20 years he had been an active worker for peace. “What were the decisions in the appeals in England?” asked the Crown representative. Witness: ;‘l was given two years’ hard labour.” Witness said objectors were imprisoned for a few months and then taken back to camp, being returned to prison when they again objected. Altogether he served three years. He said that at that time two years was the longest term to which the most hardened criminal could be sentenced.