WOULD USE FORCE

Southland Times, Issue 24862, 30 September 1942, Page 2

WOULD USE FORCE

Appeal Of Objector Fails A man who appealed against giving military service on conscientious grounds, but who admitted that he would use force to protect his wife and children, had his appeal dismissed by the No. 6 Armed Forces Appeal Board at a sitting in Invercargill yesterday. He was John Drysdale, aged 30, a painter and decorator of Gore. The chairman of the board, Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., said that the appellant’s admission that he would use force to protect his wife and children put him out of Court and his appeal would be dismissed accordingly. In a written statement handed to the board, Drysdale said that as a follower of Christ he must remain neutral in the affairs of the world. Mr A. N. Haggitt, who represented the Crown: Would you take steps to protect your wife and children from attack?—l would protect them with anything that might be handy. By the use of fpree?—Yes. In reply to further questions the witness said that he objected to joining the armed forces because then he would be taking part in the affairs of the world. He did not judge others who joined the forces. Each man must decide for himself. Mr Haggitt: Your position is rather original. You are not opposed to force, but to regimented force?—Yes.