Treatment of Conscientious Objectors

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 187, 8 August 1941, Page 4

Treatment of Conscientious Objectors

OUT OF PRISON INTO CAMP"

Per Press Association,

WELLINGTON, Aug. 7,

A request that the Government should disclose its policy regarding objectors to military service and give the House an opportunity for reviewing it was made by Mr. J. A. Lee in a notice of question on behalf of the Speaker (Hon. vv'. E. Barnard) to the Acting-Prime Minister when the House met at 2.30 to-day. Mi. Lee asked if the Minister would say whether he was aware that two objectors to military service, immediately on being discharged last Saturday from the Wellington prisefh, were collected by the military authorities and removed to the Trenthani military camp, where they were now. Mr. Lee further asked if this had been done with tlio knowledge and consent of the Minister and was it in pursuance of settled Government policy. Another question dealing with objectors was addressed by Mr. J. A. Roy to the Minister of National Service (Hon. R. Semple). He asked what rules were laid down for the Armed Forces Appeal Boards in respect to dealing with conscientious objectors and he wished to know if the Minister would sanction the appointment of local committee to furnish confidential information to appeal boards for each appeal. Mr. Roy added that there was a strong feeling that the boards were being governed by regulations which did not allow them to function as they iikouEL