CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 16 May 1941, Page 4

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

MEDICAL TEST BEFORE APPEALS PROCEDURE FOR FUTURE I United Press Association) Wellington, This Day. The intention to call in conscien- > tious objectors in future for medical examination in the ordinary way, with- ' out waiting as in the past till after ; the hearing of their appeals, was an- ■ nounced last evening by the Minister | | j of National Service, Mr Semple. [•I The Minister explained that where a I j man was found permanently medically . unfit (Grade IV) appeals were struck II cut, as the man was then transferred s > to the Third Division; and that where I - a man’s grading was CIII, appeals i were adjourned sine die, as no re-1 ■ quirement was at present imposed on ! such men in respect either of military * service or of alternative service. "It ; is considered desirable that this prac- ’ tice should be followed in respect of ’ conscientious objectors,” said Mr Semple. “Attendance for medical ex- , nmination will in no way prejudice the hearing of appeals, but will save many ’ men the necessity of preparing their i cases and of attendance before the boards. “It is intended that this procedure will be adopted in respect of men called in the recent overseas ballot gazetted on 7th May, and in all subsequent ballots.”