MILITARY APPEALS

Grey River Argus, 25 September 1941, Page 6

MILITARY APPEALS

HOKITIKA HEARINGS At the Armed Forces Appeal Board, (Messrs Reid, McKane and Hall), at Hokitika, heard the appeal of Neil John Crockett, on the grounds of conscientious objection to military service. Appellant said he was 23 years of age, and had been a member of an association for the past seven 'years. He had studied the Bible, at the age of 16, and formed his own views. His parents belonged to the Presbyterian Church. The Chairman: “You are in a Christian world of your own. You are one of those in a position to be in a privileged Association, as you would say. What are your beliefs ?” Appellant: Why should the world be in such a state of distress ?” He added that at the age of 16 he was earning 10s a week. On this he had to keep his mother, two brothers and a sister. He had obtained religious literature at home. The Chairman: “What makes it possible for you to earn good wages ? Appellant: “That’s according to the country.’’ The Chairman: That is what we are fighting for. Appellant said that he made a vow according to his beliefs. The Chairman. “Would it interfere with your beliefs to receive military pay, and give the rest you are earning to your country ?” In reply to Mr Tracey, appellant said he was prepared to pay his taxes. Mr Tracey: “That is all you are orepared to do ? Appellant. .

“Yes.” Mr McKane: “Would you like to see Germany conquer your country ?” Appellant: “Definitely no. The appeal was dismissed. James Anthony Houlihan s appeal was struck out for want of junsdiclion, but a recommendation is to be made to the military authorities that the reservist be not called up before March 1, 1942. Mrs Lily Nolan appealed for Stephen Francis Nolan, and asked the previous appeal in respect of another Board for a decision in regard to a son, Patrick Nolan. The Board dismissed the appeal for Patrick Nolan, which was reserved at a previous sitting, and adjourned the appeal of Stephen Francis Nolan sine dje. Patrick Nolan is not to be called up for service before April. Mrs Cron appealed for her son, Adam Lindsay Cron, who had to support her, and had a farm to do so, as he had always been desirous of having one. Mr Tracey: "He has bought a farm now that he is eligible for overseas service. It that so ?’ Mrs Cron: “He only wanted to make a home for me and to have a home to come back to.” Mr Tracey: “Did he try to sell the farm ?” Mrs Cron: “Why should he ?” The Chairman: “If your son wanted to make a home for you, why did he not ?” “Mrs Cron: “I don’t want to see him stav at home.” The Chairman: “You have taken every sten to make him stay.” The appeal was dismissed, appellant not to be called up before January.