SYNOD URGES RELEASE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 276, 22 November 1945, Page 4

SYNOD URGES RELEASE

MEN HELD IN DEFAULTERS’ C.AMPS AND GAOLS METHODIST MEETING DIVIDED A resolution recommending the Dominion conference of the Methodist Church to urge the Government, tha in view of the cessation of hostilities all detainees in dentention camps and gaols be released immediately, was carried by 20 votes lo 12 at the annual synod of the Wanganui-Taranaki district, continued in Wanganui yesterday; afternoon. This resolution, which will go before the conference in February, was moved by the Rev. J. F. Martin (Wanganui), seconded by Mr. E. L. F. Buxton (Wanganui). Mr. Martin said a similar re.’oludon was carried recently at a meeting ol the Wanganui sub-district Youth Council. “Personally,” he added, “1 would like to see an amendment moved that the men be released immediately, without waiting for conference.” “I believe that the practice in Great Britain is to release these men,” said Mr. Buxton. “1 don’t see why New Zealand should lag behind.” The chairman, the Rev. J. H. Allen, said it appeared much centred round the phra e “cessation of hostilities.” “The Government has not. yet. declared the cessation of hostilities, and to employ that phrase is to ask for an answer that is cut and dried,” he added. Mr. W. S. Thrush (Wanganui) said •he original regulations stated that the men be detained for the “duration of the present war,” meaning the war again t Germany. Al. that time hostilities had not begun in the Pacific. The cessation of hostilities, however, was not defined by Statute, out by fact. “We are quite safe in using that term,” he added. Cessation ,f hostilities is a factual matter, and as far as the Armed Forces are concerned hostilities have actually ceased.” The chairman said he had his doubts about the merit of this resolution. For years the Church had advocated that a tribunal be set up

toxica/the appeals of men detained. He did not approve of everything that had boon done as a result of a tribunal being established. “The Government, however, did appear to respond to the pressure of the Church, and has played fair as far as it felt justified,” the chairman added. On the other hand men had been released elsewhere and ho did not see why such action should be delayed in Now Zealand. Another sneaker expressed the oninion that this question would he better left alone in the meantime. He believed that it. would “fizzle out.” and that in a mailer of a few months all the men would have been released. Discussion was brief, and on the resolution being nut lo the synod it was carried by 20 vote- to 12. the chains n calling for a show of hands to decide the issue.