OVERSEAS SERVICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 August 1941, Page 6

OVERSEAS SERVICE

APPEALS BY RESERVISTS FURTHER HEARINGS BEFORE , BOARD. CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTIONS AND OTHER CASES. Further appeals in respect to men called up for service overseas, some on the ground of conscientious objection, were heard at a sitting of the No. 4 Armed Forces Appeal Board held in Masterton yesterday afternoon. Mr W. F. Stilwell, S.M., presided. There were also present Messrs A. Parlane, J. W. G. Brodie and B. A. Roundhill (secretary); also Mr C. O. Bell (Crown representative).

O. R. Riley appealed on behalf of his brother, Elmo Roslyn Riley, aged 24 years, window dresser. Masterton. on the grounds of conscientious objection and hardship.

The reservist said that he was conforming to the teachings of Christ. He was prepared to train in a medical unit where he could be of assistance to his fellow men. Riley said that he was 'a member of the Church of England. He did not attend very regularly. Mr Bell said that the reservist did not keep the Sabbath as he did not go to church. He broke one of the Ten Commandments.

The reservist replied that his church allowed freedom of conscience. Mr Bell: “Not when there is a Commandment about.”

Riley: “A man can lead a Christian life without going to church. - ’ Mr Bell: “You are prepared to break one Commandment yet you don't want to break the one which says: 'Thou shalt not kill.’

The appellant said that he had not thought of the matter in that light. The reservist said that he had appealed on the grounds of hardship because he did not wish to break his association with his twin brother. He wished to appeal and train, in the medical unit with his brother. The board’s decision was announced this morning, the appeal being dismissed on. both grounds. Mr Stilwell indicated that if the brothers desired to be together the proper course would be to apply to the military authorities. SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS. Two members of the Seventh Day Adventists' sect, Hector Tagg. painter. Masterton, and Hugh William Millar appealed on the grounds of conscientious objection. Evidence as to the teachings of the church was given by Pastor Burns, Wellington. The board indicated that in both cases insufficient corroborative evidence had been produced in respect of their individual beliefs.

Both appeals were dismissed, subject to the performance of non-combatant service.

Mr W. H. Reid, Masterton, an elder of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, gave evidence in support of the appeals this morning. In reply to Mr Bell, witness said his church had written articles on the matter of liberty of conscience. Mr Bell interjected that what Mr Reid said was a direct contradiction of the evidence given by Pastor Burns yesterday afternoon. Mr Reid: “Perhaps I shouldn’t have said that; I am sorry.” Mr Stilwell: “We only want the truth you know.” John James O'Shea, farm hand, Te Hora station, Masterton, appealed on the grounds of conscientious objection and status. As the appellant failed to appear in support of the application the appeal was struck out. An appeal by Clyde Percival William Vautier, school teacher, Featherston, on the grounds of conscientious objection was dismissed, with the proviso that he should be recommended for non-combatant service. The reservist was a member of the Exclusive Brethren. READING CUT SHORT.

Bruce Greenaway Hardie, bank clerk, Union Bank, Pahiatua (formerly of Martinborough), aged 21, Presbyterian, addressed the board from sheets of typewritten paper until checked by Mr Stillwell. He was opposed to any service whatsoever. He said he depended on Christ for his future.

Mr Bell objected to letters from Presbyterian ministers being submitted as evidence for the purpose of indicating Hardie’s beliefs. Mr Stilwell upheld the objection.

Mr Bell: “How soon after the war did you become a conscientious objector?” Mr Stilwell: “When, was he called in the ballot?”

Reservist: “I made my decision in October, 1940.” Replying to Mr Bell, under cross-ex-amination Hardie said the will of God would decide who would win. the war. Anything he did in his bank was a service to the country and did not help the war effort. “If my mother was attacked I would not go to her assistance," said Hardie in reply to a question.

Mark Napier Hardie, aged 28, radio serviceman, brother of the previous appellant, lodged a similar appeal. He based his appeal on the text “Love your enemy,” which he styled the true test of religious belief. Because he was a Christian he could not fight. To join the armed forces would be a compromise in the worst of all social sins. Christ taught his disciples to take insults and violence without protest. Mr Stilwell: “You are being far too lengthy. Get clown to something concise.” DEFENCE BY PRAYER. Under cross-examination by Mr Bell the reservist said he would not retaliate if attacked; his defence was prayer. If women or children were attacked he would not go to their aid. He would be prepared, to assist wounded soldiers like the good Samaritan, as an individual but not under any organisation. The appeals of B. G. Hardie and M. N. Hardie were both dismissed, with a direction for non-combatant service. I

The following appeals were lodged on the grounds of public interest and undue hardship. An appeal lodged by C. Anderson for Alexander Anderson, dairy and pig farmer, was adjourned sine die, with the proviso that the reservist would not be called up for Territorial service until after July 31, 1942. An appeal by Edgar Keith Ticehurst (Mr R. R. Burridge), co-appellant H. Ticehurst, was adjourned sine die, with the proviso that the reservist join the Carterton Home Guard within 14 days.

Ronald Hilton Madden, farmer, made application for postponement of calling up for overseas service until October 30, 1942, The appeal was dismissed, the appellant not to be called up until after October 30.

An appeal by J. W. Warrington (Mr H. H. Daniell) on behalf of Robert Anthony Warrington, Waihakeke, was adjourned sine die. The reservist, was