A TEACHER'S APPEAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24732, 8 October 1941, Page 3

A TEACHER'S APPEAL

FORMERLY OF DUNEDIN CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR DECLINES OATH OF ALLEGIANCE (Special) WELLINGTON. Oct. 6. Employed last year at King's High School, Dunedin, and now a temporary teacher on the staff of Wellington College, George Milton Smith appealed on the grounds of conscientious objection before the No. 4 Armed Forces Appeal Board at Wellington. He appeared before the board with a Bible in his hands, but did not swear on the Bible, taking an affirmation instead. The board dismissed his appeal with a recommendation for non-combatant service. Smith had as witness a civil servant, until recently employed in Dunedin, and he also produced a sworn letter from a woman University student of Dunedin. Smith said he based his views on the Scriptures. He was converted in 1932. and in 1936 he was convinced that all Christians, according to the Word of God. would be people outsjde organised religious bodies. Early in 1941 he was prepared to do non-combatant service, but on consideration he felt that this was resting on the opinions of others rather than the Word of God, and he decided to search the Scriptures for the answer to his problem. He formed the view he now presented to the board as the result of this search. If he went Into the armed forces he would be joining something from which the will of God. and the death of Christ had delivered him. It was written in Second Corinthians, chapter 6. “ Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelisvers.” He had not taken the oath because in James, chapter 5, it was commanded to “swear not.” Since 1937 he had not voted, belonged to a labour union, lodge, or insurance organisation. He had taken no part in social activity, but had worked for the Lord. He had not supported patriotic funds or national savings, but devoted his spare money to the Lord’s work in New Zealand and overseas.

“Yoked with Unbelievers”

Cross-examined by Mr C. O. Bell, Crown representative, as to his previous offer to do non-combatant service, Smith said that he had then objected to taking the oath of allegiance and to military service if it involved taking life. As a Christian he was outside any world army. Mr Bell asked him how he knew that by joining the army he would be “ yoked with unbelievers ’’ ? Smith replied that “ their life and conduct showed they were not Christians.’’

Mr Bell: You are employed by the Education Department, and there may be some unbelievers in its service?— I am not bound to them by any yoke. Mr Bell: But vou have to work with them.

Further questioned, Smith said he was prepared to'join a civii-controlled ambulance unit, but he could not give an undertaking of unconditional service. Christ's death and the Word of God had placed him outside the world and all its systems. Punishment of Pupils

Mr Bell: Are you prepared to strap boys at school if they are disobedient? —Yes, certainly. Mr Bell: That’s using force.

Smith continued that as a Christian he had heavenly citizenshin. He belonged to no organissd body. Those with whom he met were just called Christians, The chairman. Mr W. F. Stilwell. S.M.: Do you object to the oath of allegiance?~We have been told by Jesus Christ to “swear not.” Are you prepared to take an affirmation of loyalty?—lt depends if there is anything contrary to the Word of God.

The chairman; It is only an oath of loyalty to the country which employs you. '

To the chairman, Smith said he took no part in school cadet activities.

Harold Douglas Wesley Barton, civil servant, Public Trust Office, gave evidence on Smith's behalf. He said that he had also been an appellant before the board. Smith and he met together in fellowship with other Christians at Karori. He knew Smith in Dunedin from where he, too, came this year. Smith produced an affidavit signed by Annie Joyce Grgy, University student. Dunedin, stating that Smith had told her some time ago, when in Dunedin, that he believed military service to be contrary to the mind of God as revealed in the Scriptures. Smith also asked permission to call as a witness Frederick Lawson, of Bible House, George street, Dunedin, with whom Barton and he had met in fellowship at Dunedin, He was informed by the board that this evidence was not considered necessary, and decision, as stated, was given. Public Interest Appeals

The board granted adjournments sine die, on the ground of public interest, in respect of the following employees of the Post and Telegraph Department:— John Ussher Bonisch, radio telegraphist, Awarua; Allan Leslie Gardner, radio cadet, Milford Sound; Robert Morris Harris, radio cadet, Taieri; Conway Allan Leeden, radio telegraphist, Awarua; Ronald McLaren Mansell, exchange clerk, Awarua.