MILITARY SERVICE

Waikato Times, Volume 131, Issue 21910, 14 December 1942, Page 2

MILITARY SERVICE

OBJECTORS APPEAL BOARD SITS IN HAMILTON Refusal to do Home Guard or St. John Amublance duty was indicated by Samuel Leslie Armstrong, farmer, Tuhikaramea, when his military position was reviewed by the No. 2 Armed Forces Appeal Board, Hamilton (Messrs S. L. Paterson, S.M., A. E. Manning and R. Coulter) at a sitting of the board in Hamilton today. Mr J. R. Fitz Gerald represented Armstrong, who said he milked 44 cows on 60 acres. Armstrong said he was a conscientious objector against any form of military service, and the Home Guard was under military control. He objected to regimentation, and could not do ambulance work. “ We cannot accept anything that has to do with worldly affairs,” he said. " Once our produce from the farm is out of our hands we are not responsible for it—it is then under Government control.” To questions, reservist said he was working long hours on the farm and also did a lot of study. He could not spare the time to parade, even if his conscience allowed it. Armstrong’s appeal was adjourned sine die. “War of No Benefit” Martin James Morris, company secretary, appealed on conscience grounds. He said he was employed by Morris’ Stores, in which he was a partner. Questioned by Mr D. J. B. Seymour (Crown representative) reservist said he had been fully engaged in the conduct of his own business and could not see how he could help the war effort in any way. He was certainly not in sympathy with the prosecution of the war and to render any help would conflict with his conscience. “ I object to any form of military control, and would not serve with the St. John Ambulance as it is under military control or direction. It is an admirable organisation in civil life, I believe, but it is now closely allied to military control, and therefore I say decidedly I would not serve with it.” Continuing, reservist said he had never investigated how best he could help the war effort. “By attending to any business I am serving the State in an efficient way. One cannot avoid some things, and I consider I have made many sacrifices.” Asked to explain, Morris said the war had been no benefit to his firm’s business—actually it had lost business. The appeal was allowed. As the reservist had been medical boarded class 1, the effect of this is that his case will be subject to the No. 1 Tribunal’s direction. An Ordained Minister “ Each individual of our assembly of Christian peoples answers for his own conscience,” said Llewellyn James, concrete worker, Frankton, when he appealed against any form of military service. To a question as to whether Jehovah’s Witnesses would or would not fight to protect their own family the reservist replied: “ I have full confidence that Jehovah God will protect my kith and kin. I am an ordained minister of Jehovah God, and demand the same freedom of action as any priest or minister of religion. The point at issue before this board is regimentation, and I am opposed to this on principle.” James’ appeal was dismissed, and he will be recommended for noncombatant service. “ To kill is contrary to the principles and teachings of the New Testament,” said Terence Hugh Miller, insurance clerk, Hamilton, when opposing his calling up for military service. He said he was willing to dp any non-combatant service. “On my medical grading,” he said, “the authorities could only want me foi non-combatant duties, and I would be willing to have my appeal withdrawn.” The board dismissed the appeal and recommended Miller for noncombatant service. Dairy Company’s Appeals The New Zealand Cc-operative Dairy Company, Ltd., appealed for 16 of its employees in various factories, and all were granted sine die adjournment. An appeal by the company for Walter Ackroyd, Morrinsville, was withdrawn, as the reservist was already serving. Other decisions were: Laurence W. Fitzsimons, farmer, Cambridge, indefinite release recommended; Hubert David Crosby, butcher, Hamilton East, recommended for release from camp conditional on another class 1 reservist employed in the business being allowed to enter camp, as requested; Garnet L. Drake, Hamilton, dismissed but recommended for noncombatant service only; Greville F. McCarthy, grocer's assistant, Hamilton, dismissed on the grounds on undue hardship, but allowed on the grounds of conscientious objection and medical history; H. B. Hill, Limited’s appeal for Lawrence W. Brewerton, jewellery manufacturer, refused; John Hannah, carpenter and fanner, Hamilton, appeal against Home Guard service allowed; William L. Rowe, farmer, Eureka, appeal against Home Guard service allowed; C. C. Scott’s appeal for release from camp of K. B. Scott, orchardist, Hamilton, leave recommended from January 10 for three months. Sine Die Adjournments Sine die adjournment was granted in respect of the appeals of Arthur J. Bentley, sharemilker, Puketaha; Walter Frost, farm hand, Hamilton; William Stutt, farmer, Frankton; Robert Alehin, electrical inspector, Hamilton: Cyril L. Harris, electrical fitter, Hamilton; Herbert D. Frank, farmer, Horsham Downs; Keith Ryburn, farm hand, Ngahinapouri; Gilbert E. Hannah, farm hand, Te Rore; Clarence A. Harrison, farm hand, Eureka; Phillip Spiller, farm hand. Rototuna. i The following appeals were withdrawn: Christopher C. Perkins, farm | hand, Te Rapa; William A. Hine. i sharemilker, Matangi; and William j Hogan, carpenter, Frankton.