COLPORTEUR’S APPEAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 185, 6 July 1945, Page 6

COLPORTEUR’S APPEAL

RELEASE FROAI DETENTION.

“in America and in England those who were doing tlie same' work as 1 was were treated as Gospel ministers ami given complete exemption,” said Henry Archibald Thompson, of Longburn, describing himself as a home missionin' and Gospel salesman, when lie appeared today before the No. 2 Revision Authority (Air W. H. Woodward, S.A:I.), appealing for his release Irom a defaulters’ detention camp. He sail, lie was born in London in 1904 and came to New Zealand in 1926. II" married in August, 1939. Twelve years ago, added appellant, be was converted to the Christian religion. He was a member of tin Seventh Day Adyeutist Church and had been engaged in colporteur activities since 1933. As a follower ol Jesus Christ he could take no part in war. Appellant quoted several passages from the Scriptures in support of his view, and said Jesus Cluist had instructed us to save men’s lives, not to destroy them. In tlie Army appellant would be working in opjiosition to these teachings. Questioned by the Grown representative (Mr J. A. Dully), appellant said there lum also been an appeal for him on the grounds of public interest, in addition to his own appeal on conscientious grounds. Ho did not go to the. Missionary College at Longburn in 1942 to avoid military service; the principal Lad asked him-to undertake studies there for further service. Appellant, said that, as a Christian, bo would not light physically for Christendom. Mr Duffy: Would it not be convenient, for a man who belonged to a climcb of which the leaders were prepared to accept non-combatant service to say be would just do nothing in time of war r—lt would be convenient for u man who looked at it in that way, but I am not the only Seventh Day Adventist who is a conscientious objecloi. Waiter Edward Batty, minister of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, submitted evidence as to the sincerity of appellant’s views. He said he hud known appellant for 12 years. As a people, the members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church took a stand of non-combat.ancy in war, but appellant’s stand made no dilf'erence to his position in the Church.

Mr Duffy said appellant’s conduct :I d work bad been very good. Decision was reserved.