From Strathmore To Within Prison Walls

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1942, Page 8

From Strathmore To Within Prison Walls

(Spec.) HAMILTON, Thursday. An application was made by Mr C, L. Christenson, supervisor of the Strathmore defaulters’ detention camo, before Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M., at Hamilton, asking that two conscientious objectors, Keith Duffield and James Nelson Steedman, each aged 22, be removed from the camp at Strathmore to prison, on the grounds that the presence of the two men was prejudicial to the good order and discipline of the camp.

Evidence was given that both men refused to co-operate with the camp authorities, and had refused to obey a specific order to collect equipment. Their conduct was definitely prejudicial to the discipline of the camp.

Duffield said he was a genuine conscientious objector, and that the Appeal Board had committed a miscarriage of justice in declaring that he was not. He had been crippled all his life. Steedman said that during the two days he had been in camp he had been in close confinement. Kis conduct could not, therefore, be regarded as prejudicial to the discipline of the camp.

The magistrate said the men's status had been defined by the appeal, and the Court was not competenta to alter the board's decision. The men's refusal to obey orders would have a bad influence on the other inmates. The magistrate granted the application, and authorised the removal of the men to prison.