Lopsided Outlook

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 191, 13 August 1941, Page 4

Lopsided Outlook

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR TOLD TO STUDY CONS

When Reginald T. Clarke, journalist, of Palmerston North, appealed before No. 3 Armed Forces Appeal Board m Palmerston North yesterday against having to serve in the armed forces, he pleaded conscientious reasons, but was told by the chairman, Mr. A. Coleman, g.M., that he had a lopsided outlook. Clarke had associated with young men nnd had listened to the pros and had not systematically studied the cons of the argument. “I don’t think you are a conscientious objector,” Mr. Coleman told Clarke. ‘‘You want the right to sav on which particular occasion yon will intervene and on which not. That is a political or social inclination.” Clarke told the board that he had been against war and conscription for ten years as the result of discussions with university students in Christchurch. War was not compatible with Christianity but, answering a question by the chairman, reservist said that in the event of someone trying to .assault his wife, he would intervene but contended that international and social problems were hardly on the same plane for comparative purposes. The chairman asked reservist if ho thought the problems of the world would ever be settled? Millions of people would have to be regenerated. Did any man think that would happen? Reservist: We hope it will. The best way is to start immediately. The chairman; In another 30 years you might be more sceptical. However, you are entitled to your opinion. The appeal was dismissed.