WORKING AT NAVAL ESTABLISHMENT

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 47, 19 November 1941, Page 6

WORKING AT NAVAL ESTABLISHMENT

Conscientious Objector

COMMENTS BY APPEAL BOARD CHAIRMAN (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, November IS. When a conscientious objector, Trevor Barton Prentice, told the No. 1 Armed Forces Appeal Board that he was engaged on carpentering work at H.M.N.Z.S. Tamaki but would not defend himself in event of attack, his statement evoked an expression of concern from the chairman, Mr. Orr Walker, S.M., who said the.matter should be reported to the defence oritiesWitness said his objection to armed conflict and tlie taking of human life was based on his training as a child. In the event of attack he would adhere to his principles. The chairman: And you are on Motuihi Island? Witness: Yes.

The chairman: If that Island was attacked and a landing made by an enemy what would you do? Witness: 1 would not defend myself. I would give myself up. The chairman: That would be a lovely thing for those down at the island. . The chairman said he would be very concerned if he was in charge of the island. “I would not have you there for a moment,” he said. “It Is too dangerous.” Mr. Orr Walker expressed the opinion that the matter should be reported to the defence authorities. Witness, under further examination, said he was prepared to do service of a medical, dental or other noncombatant nature, but only in New Zealand.

Reservist’s mother, Mrs. Prentice, said she felt her son had not made himself clear. He did not wish to take life but she was sure he would not be a danger, as had been suggested. He was inoffensive, good' living and no coward. Reservist, she believed, would protect her if she was in danger. The appeal was dismissed.