THREE GROUPS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 195, 15 May 1941, Page 10

THREE GROUPS

Case Of Conscientious Objectors SERVICE APPEALS

Liability For Alternative

Service

Regulations dealing with the treatment of conscientious objectors and the provision of alternative service were gazetted yesterday by way of amendments to the National Service Emergency Regulations. A statement explaining the effect of the new proposals was issued last night by the Minister of National Service. Mr. Semple, who said that under the amending regulations the right to obtain exemption from military service on the ground of conscientious objection was to be contingent on a definite liability to perform alternative service at rates of pay and under conditions that may constitute material'’sacrifice on the part of the successful applicant. Conscientious objectors whose appeals have already been heard and dismissed are to be allowed to apply for a re-hearing.

The regulations, which also deal with the control of labour for essential industries, came into force yesterday.

Under the amending regulations, conscientious objectors will be classified into three groups as follows: — (a) Those whose appeals are allowed by appeal boards, and who may, by direction of the Minister of National Service, be required to perform under civil control, some alternative service upon such terms and conditions as the Minister thinks fit.

■ (b) Those whose appeals are dismissed on condition that their service in the armed forces will be restricted to non-combatant duties,

(c) Those whose appeals are dismissed unconditionally, and who will, in due course, be required to perform service in the armed forces.

“In so far as those whose appeals have been allowed are concerned, provision lias now been made in which they may be required to perform alternative service under civil control and subject to such terms and conditions as the Minister may from time to time decide,” said Mr.' Semple. “The provision of alternative service for these men is at present receiving the consideration of the Government. Non-Combatant Duties.

"With regard to the second class referred* to above, that is, persons who lyive been able to satisfy the appeal board that they are conscientiously opposed to combatant service, provision has now been made requiring tMe military authorities to provide noncohibatant duties. Where such direction is made, appellants now have a legal assurance that they will not subsequently be transferred to combatant duties unless they expressly elect to do so.

“A further provision relating to conscientious’ objectors makes it clear that, apart from special circumstances, corroborative evidence, should be adduced at the hearing of appeals, not only as to the period during which an appellant has held his beliefs, but as to the circumstances under which he has formed such beliefs and has continued to hold them. It is provided, however, that the appeal board may accept the evidence of the appellant without corroboration.

“In view of the widening of the scope of the regulations, provision has been made in respect of appellants appealing on the ground of conscientious objection, whose appeals have been heard before the making of these amendments and have not been allowed, enabling such appellants to apply for a rehearing. Application for this purpose must be made in writing and be posted or delivered to the appeal hoard which originally heard the appeal, within 14 days of the making of these regulations, namely, before May 28, 1941. Appellants applying for a rehearing must appreciate the’ desirability of adducing corroborative evidence. Appeals Already Dealt With. “Where a person whose conscientious objection is to combatant service only, has already had his appeal dealt witli and such appeal has been dismissed with a recommendation that he be engaged only in non-combatant duties, no good purpose will be served iu such circumstances iu applying for a rehearing. Tiie reason for this is that special provision has been made in the amendments requiring the defence authorities to give effect to such recommendation as if it had been a direction for non-combatant service in accordance with these amendments.

“The amendments outlined above bring the position substantially into line with the English provisions “A further important amendment to the regulations deals with the question of alternative service as distinct from contracts of employment. Appeal boards, as well as manpower committees, are now expressly authorized to require appellants whose calling up with the armed forces has been postponed on the ground of public interest or of undue hardship to render alternative service in any section of the Emergency Reserve Corps, such as in the Emergency Fire Service, in the Emergency Precautions Scheme, or in the Home Guard. Failure to comply with such condition will result either m the dismissal of the appeal, or in the prosecution of the appellant for a breach of the regulations. , "Power already exists to require persons called up for overseas service aid whose calling.up has. been postpo ed Ito carry out training m the Uritoii. Force, and appeal boards .ate rnnkm,, ment is granted, a condition <-• a > Rve service imposed where it is lotind appropriate.' Control of Labour.

The amendments affecting the control of labour empower the Minister to specify t articular industry, and alter an industry has been specified, employers requiring labour in this particular industry, trade, or occupation, must engage such labour through the agency ot a ulacement otlieer. Similarly, .workers hi any industry, trade or occupation may. if the Minister at. any time so directs, lx- required to obtain employment, therein through a placement officer. The Minister may further direct, in respect of any ■industry, trade or occupation, that no employer shall, without the Minister’s consent, engage any worker usually employed therein otherwise than in such industry, trade or occupation. "No directions have yet been made under these regulations.” said the Minister, "but the power will enable proper provision to be made whenever required, to ensure that there is no undue drain of skilled labour from essential industry, and to enable control of the movement of available labour It will then be possible to supply such labour for such industries and services as may be regarded as of paramount importance in the war effort."