MILITARY DEFAULTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17872, 29 August 1921, Page 3

MILITARY DEFAULTERS.

THEIR STATUS AS BOXERS.

AN IMPRESSION DISPELLED

At the last meeting of the executive of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, a member mentioned having seen a, press report of a discussion on the question of the reintroduction of conscientious objectors or military defaulters into the ranks of boxing, and of their participation in the New Zealand championships. The secretary (Mr. R. J. F. Aldrich) wrote to the secretary of the New Zealand Boxing Association as follows: — "' At a <-ecent meeting of my executive it was stated that the New Zealand Boxing Association had decided to permit conscientious objectors to take part in boxing championships. My executive would be very pleased if you will give us some information on this matter. What do we understand by conscientious objectors? Does this include military defaulters also?

" I would point out to you that it is not necessary for a man to have been convicted to be classed as a military defaulter, as legislation was passed some time ago, giving these shirkers absolution. I need hardly say that my association will protest most strongly against these people being permitted to take part in any kind of sport whatever. - ' The secretary of the New Zealand Boxing Association (Mr. W. G. Talbot) replied : " The matter mentioned arose over a remit brought forward at the recent conference at Greymouth, and" was allowed to lapse because of the legislation referred to. the or anyone has read into it that this was tantamount to the New Zealand boxing council welcoming these persons into the ranks of sport, this impression will be quickly dispelled if a person known to have been within either of the categories you mention, wants to take part in a contest under the New Zealand boxing rules."