ARMED FORCES

Evening Star, Issue 24004, 1 October 1941, Page 2

ARMED FORCES

SITTING OF APPEAL BOARD Tho Armed Forces Appeal Board Messrs J. R. Bartholomew, S.M. (chairman), J. Price, and H. Hodgson—sat this morning in Dunedin. Mr B. S. Anderson appeared for the Crown. An appeal was made by the Rev. Basil Metson, representing the Rev. W. A. Burley, president of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, on behalf of Wharton Cyril Tolley, a home missionary, the grounds being that of public interest.—Tho appeal was adjourned sine die The Director of National Service appealed on behalf of Clive Wilsdeu Maitland, theological student, on the ground of public interest.—Evidence having been given by Principal A. L. Haddon, of the Theological College, Church or Christ, and by the student himself, during which it was stated that the latter was accepted for training in December, 1939, and went into the college in February 1940, decision was reserved. An appeal was made by the United Friendly Societies’ Dispensary on behalf of James Robert Laverty, a chemist’s assistant.—Adjourned sine die on condition that tho reservist was transferred to the Territorial service.

An appeal on behalf of William Haldane Oliver was made by Boots the Chemists Ltd. on tho grounds of public interest.—Adjourned sine die on condition that tho reservist transfer to the Territorial service.

Keith Reginald Leckie, a plumber’s apprentice, asked for extension of time to enable him to complete his examinations.—lt was stated on behalf of this' appellant that Leckie had joined tho Air Force.—Appeal dismissed, appellant not to be < called up before April 3. Extension of time for three months was asked by the Otago Tyre Service in the case of James Joseph Anderson, a tyro retrender and builder, and this was granted the appeal being dismissed on condition that Anderson is not called up before December 31. .

An appeal was made hv the Dunedin Metropolitan Fire Board on behalf of James a fireman, on tho grounds of public interest and undue hardship.—Evidence was given by Superintendent Laidlaw, who stated the position in regard to the fire service; Spencer G Scoular, who stressed the necessity for skilled men being present for protecting the water service in case of emergency; and William W. Callender, chairman of the Metropolitan Fire Board.—-The appeal was adjourned sine die, which, tho Chairman explained, meant that the matter would be reviewed in six months’ time. In tho meantime tho Fire Board would, he said, need to seriously consider the position regarding the training of firemen. Douglas Hodge White, carpenter’s apprentice, appealed on the ground of undue hardship, asking for an extension of time > to enable him to complete his apprenticeship.—Samuel Ikin, secr'’_ Carpenters’ Union, explained that the apprenticeship being se" '"d by appellant was a special one, originated by the Government in view of the shortage of carpenters. The appellant, said witness, gave promise of being a really first-class tradesman. —The Chairman pointed out that the board had < no jurisdiction in the matter of this appeal, which had been lodged late, but it -would recommend that the position be reviewed and that extension of time bo granted until April 30, 1942. CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS. James Giles, jun., a draper’s assistant, and a member of the Christian Assemblies of New Zealand, appealed as > a conscientious objector. Appellant said that he had attended meetings of the sect since he wms nine or ten years of age, and had been an active member for three and a-half years. The sect had no public place of worship and no paid preachers, but met Jn the homes of its adherents. It had no initiation, no constitution, no records, and no definite creed, but took tbe teaching of the New Testament as its guide. 1 o Mr Anderson, appellant said that he was prepared to render any service that was not under military control.

The Chairman: Does your conscience permit you to pay your wmr tax? Appellant, after some hesitation, replied that he could not answer that. No, it is an awkwafd question, isn’t it?

Asked whether ho was prepared to do work at a soldier’s pay and hand the rest into the Government funds, appellant said he would. 1' n’t you realise that that would be of direct assistance _ to the war effort?” asked the Chairman.

Appellant answered that he could not help that James Giles, chiropractor, father of the appellant nave evidence in support of the appeal- The Christian Assemblies w r as a body with members all over the w’orld. he caid. f Decision was reserved.

Alan Green., a member of the Church of Christ for 20 years, appealed on the ground of conscientious ob’oetion.—Anneßant admitted that he bad done Territorial training last vear. though under protest, and the hoard dismissed the appeal.