APPEALS AGAINST SERVICE

Evening Star, Issue 23950, 30 July 1941, Page 5

APPEALS AGAINST SERVICE

YESTERDAY’S PROCEEDINGS The sitting of the Armed Forces Appeal Board was continued yesterday afternoon, when a further batch of appeals was heard. THIRD MEMBER OF FAMILY. George Baird, for whom Air C. J. L. White appeared, appealed on the grounds of conscientious objection and undue hardship. The points raised in this case were similar to those put forward when the appeals by other members of the Baird family were considered by the board at its previous sitting. In answer to Air A. N. Haggitt, the appellant said that he objected to serve in any capacity under military control, being convinced that to so serve was contrary to the teachings of Jesus. There was a difference between paying Social Security dues, part of which went to pay for the war effort, and taking the oath as a soldier, said witness, who added that he was not afraid of losing his freedom; indeed, he was prepared to lose his life for the stand he was taking. After other evidence had been given on similar lines to the previous appeals hy the Bairds, the Chairman said that the board had already gone into this family’s claims extensively, and the appeal would he allowed. NON-COMBATANT DUTIES. Wilfred Samuel Biss appealed against overseas service on the grounds of conscientious objection. He was before the board previously when he appealed against Territorial service, and his appeal was dismissed on condition that he was employed in non-com-batant duties. The appellant stated that he belonged to the Exclusive Brethren, and appealed against the taking of life. He was willing to do any non-combatant work. The appeal was dismissed on condition that the reservist was employed on non-combatant duties. Jack Bidmead, a Seventh Day Adventist, appealed against overseas service on the grounds of conscientious objection, but expressed his willingness, under the amended regulations to perform non-combatant duties. _ The appeal was dismissed, on condition that the reservist was employed on non-combatant duties. OTHER CASES. Mrs N. Briggs (Mr W. AI. Taylor) appealed on behalf of her eon, Alan Ward Briggs, on the grounds of public interest and undue hardship.—The appellant asked for a postponement of service until her son could complete his time as a plumber’s apprentice and pass his examination in November.— The appeal was dismissed on condition that the reservist was not called for service before November 30.

William Lindsay (Mr W. P. Hartstonge), farmer, of Allanton, appealed on behalf of his eon, Thomas Shaw Lindsay, on the grounds of public interest and undue hardship to himself.—The appellant stated that he had lost the services of his best employee and required his son for the successful carrying on of his farm.—■ The appeal was adjourned until the September sitting of the board. Arthur Henry (Mr J. M. Paterson), of Purakanni, appealed on the grounds of undue hardship, and a similar appeal was lodged hy his mother, Mrs Margaret Henry (Mr C. J. L. White). —The reservist stated that he was building up a motor service, and if his appeal were dismissed he would like time in which to dispose of his business.—Mrs Henry stated that she and her husband were dependent on their only son for the conduct of a store, post office, and motor service.— Decision was reserved.

James Poland appealed on behalf of Robert Coker, aged 41 years, a slaughterman employed at the municipal abattoirs, on the grounds of public interest and undue hardship. .—The appellant stated that it was almost impossible to replace the reservist, but he could spare him for three mouths.—The appeal _ was adjourned sine die, on condition that the reservist was transferred to the Territorials and served during ' (gust, September, and October. Mrs C. F. Meiklejohn (Mr G. T. Bayloo) appealed on behalf of Douglas Haig Meiklejohn on the grounds of undue hardship. The appellant stated that she had two sons in the forces, and the reservist was the only one living with her. She would be unable to keep her homo going without her son.—Mr Baylee stated that the reservist had volunteered for the Navy, but had not been accepted on account of his age, and was at present studying to enter the Air Force should this appeal he dismissed.—The appeal was dismissed, on condition that t)ie reservist was not called for service before August 31.