A KNOTTY PROBLEM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 71, 29 June 1942, Page 6

A KNOTTY PROBLEM

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR IN DETENTION CAMP AND FARM NBGLIiGTJiD A difficult case was brought before the Auckland Farmers' , Union Executive at its last meeting Avhcn the secretary, Mr A. E'. Robinson, reported that Mr Hansen, of Orini, had called in regard to his brother, who is in a detention camp for rc-f fusing military service. The facts set out ■were summarised thus: A petition signed by about 150 farmers around Orini, Tauhei and Morrinsvillc, asked for his release. Mr Sutherland, M.P. for the dis-* trict, told the Hansens to try to get Union support, hence the visit. The filoOO's Avorth of machinery is idle. It belongs to a brother, Avhom I sraa" also in a car beloAV,. avlio Avas crippled through an accident, and it is engaged on contract Avorlc extensively during seasons Avhen it is in operation. The Hansen brothers say that the Manpower Committee refused the petition on grounds that some other member of the family could operate, but this is not the ease, all haA'ing their oaa'ii full time work on their oaa'ii places. They claim that no other labour can be obtained able to look after and use the machines, Avhich include rotary hoe, hay baling plant etc. The re-i lease of Hansen'' from the detention camp is sought in the interest of farmers, not in his own interest. Hansen has always held his present views on the questions of AA r ar and military service. Commenting upon the case the chairman, Captain H. M. Rustiworth, said: "In this case several questions arise and it is for Parliament to decide 1 Avhether the Avar effort of the Dominion can. best be seized by keeping this man in a detention camp or by sending him back to the farm Avhcre he could assist in maintaining the output of primary produce. The matter should therefore be referred back to the Member of Parliament for the district, AAiiO' is in a position to discuss the case at length with the respective Ministers concerned." The chairman's suggestion Avas approved by Mr Hallyburton Johnston, who remarked that there Avas a lot of feeling in the Waikato over the case-