APPEAL DISMISSED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23880, 3 February 1941, Page 6

APPEAL DISMISSED

BADIO ANNOUNCER AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP OVER A YEAR IN DOMINION [bv telegraph —own correspondent] WELLINGTON, Saturday A broadcasting announcer, Eric Patterson Wright, employed by tho Commercial Broadcasting Service, appealed at a sitting of the Wellington Armed Forces Appeal Board on the ground of status and hardship. He said that he maintained lie was an Australian citizen, having been in his present position for 11 months, and as his mother's health was not. the best he considered it his duty to be with his parents in Australia. The Chairman, Mr. Stilwell: Have you made application to the Director of National Service for a certificate that you are only temporarily resident? Wright replied that he was assured the best he could hope for was a permit to return temporarily to Australia under a bond which he had found it impossible to obtain. He added that when he was employed by the Commercial Broadcasting Service it had not been suggested by either side that the appointment should be permanent. Mr. Bell: You have been in New Zealand over 12 months? Appellant replied "Yes" and added that he had come to the Dominion with a theatrical company some time before accepting his present position. Have you any objection to military service in New Zealand? —No, apart from the fact that at present I consider it my duty to bo in Australia with my people. You would have accepted the broadcasting position for two or three years if it had been offered? —That did not arise. As far as you know the job is fairly permanent?—-It could be terminated within 24 hours if necessary. Arc you quite satisfied with the position ? —Yes. Mr. Bell submitted that appellant was a resident of New Zealand under the regulations. The board dismissed the appeal.