“NOT BELIEVED”

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22064, 10 September 1941, Page 4

“NOT BELIEVED”

Charges Against Board

And Press

Conscientious Objector

Complains

“I doubt whether some times when we give the truth if Board members believe it,” said Arthur Pitts Bremncr, a raspberry grower, after he had taken the oath preparatory to giving evidence before the Armed Forces Appeal Board in Waimate yesterday on the grounds of conscientious objection. Bremner, whose appeal was dismissed conditional upon his doing non-combatant service, went on: “This is the second time . . .” The chairman (Mr F. F. Reid, S.M.): Just a moment young man.

Mr Reid proceeded to point out that the Board had already heard the reservist’s appeal against service in the Territorial force. It was prepared to hear if he had anything to add co that appeal now that he had been called up for overseas service. Bremner: After my previous appeal, the newspapers ... . Mr Reid: We are not heje to listen to any grievances against the newspapers or anyone else. We are here to listen to your appeal. We are certainly not prepared to hear any diatribe about papers.

Bremner proceeded to say that after his appeal against Territorial service had been heard, his solicitor had written to the Board saying he v ..fid be prepared to Serve anywhere there was suffering humanity, providing he wore no Uniform and received no pay. The letter had never been answered. Mr Reid remarked that the appellant’s solicitor had hot asked for an answer. Bremner: I made that offer .... Mr Reid: There is no question of an offer. The law of the country says that you will serve, unless you can prove for conscientious or other reasons that you should not do so. The case was dismissed, conditional upon the reservist serving in a noncombatant capacity only. His appeal against Territorial service, on which decision had been reserved, -.-as similarly dismissed.