CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS CAMP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 15, 11 February 1942, Page 4

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS CAMP

Sir,—l think lam entitled to ask the following question which I know from my own experience has gained wide currency during the past few weeks—ls it true that three wellknown members of Parliament have sons who arc now under detention in the Conscientious Objectors camp at Rotorua? And further is it true that two of them demanded petrol to go and visit their sons upon a re-.-cent occasion? I am. a Labour porter and consider that I am ing my duty in endeavouring to clear the air about these stories which have gained so much headway. I am also, informed that at the camp above-mentioned internees are addressed as 'Mister' a distinction which is not even afforded our boys in camp. Is this so Mr Editor? If these and other questions can be answered I feel sure that it will go a long way towards correcting a lot of subversive stories which should be given a clear answer. Trusting that the above information will' be made available through your columns. Yours etc.. M,rs CECIL A. HAY WARD. (We have amended the above letter upon legal advice, by deleting the names of the M.P.'s as shown in our correspondent's queries. With regard to the identity of internees in the Rotorua camp, as far as we . know there is no method of ascertaining who the men are once they have been sent there. The story of the 'petrol' is also beyond our means of vouching for-. The title 'mister' as alleged may or may not be used in the camp and from enquiries there are no persons in Whakatane who can honestly inform us on the point. The rumours referred to were definite enough in themselves and we appreciate our correspondent's effort to 'clear the a"ir,' unfortunately however we are not in a position, to throw- any light upon the; subject. Ed).