REFUSED MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 230, 30 September 1941, Page 7

REFUSED MEDICAL EXAMINATION

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS SENTENCED TO ONE MONTH'S IMPRISONMENT Mervyn Mills Browne and Donald Edward Rogers, reservists under the National Service Regulations, 1940. who refused to submit themselves for medical examination, appeared before Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., in the Wanganui Magistrate's Court yesterday. Both were sentenced to one month's imprisonment. Senior-Sergeant F. Culloty. who conducted the prosecution, said that Browne was called up by notice in the New Zealand Gazette on August 19, 1941, and was ordered by registered letter on September 11 to report for medical examination. He reported but refused to be examined. Browne said that as a Methodist, a Christian and a member of the Pacifist Society, he was convinced that war was absolutely wrong and incompatible with the spirit of Christ and His teachings. “I cannot serve in a military unit.” he added, "and I would have been inconsistent had I submitted myself t<f medical examination.” Mr. Salmon: I suppose you appealer! ? Browne: No; that would have been inconsistent, also. Mr. Salmon: You had the right to apply to an appeal board if you had conscientious objections. You did not exercise that. You are enrolled and you cannot disobey the regulations because you have not taken advantage of your rights. You may be sincere in your beliefs, but that does not help. You come within the class of conscientious objectors and I understand camps are to be provided for defaulters. These camps are not ready, so I will send you to prison for a month. Senior-Sergeant Culloty said that Rogers had also reported when required (o do so, but would not submit to a medical examination. He was 18 years of age. Rogers said that he was a member of the Methodist Church and believed that war was a sin against humanity. He would take no part in military affairs. Mr. Salmon: Did you appeal? Rogers: No. Mr. Salmon: Why not? You are 18 years of age? Are your parents in Court ?—No. Mr. Salmon: Are you willing to obey Ihe law if I give you an opportunity? —No. The magistrate then imposed sentence similar to that given to Browne. On leaving the Court, Browne and Rogers were each shaken by the hand and patted on the shoulder by the Rev. J. F. Martin and Rev. C. Dickens.