CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Evening Star, Issue 24288, 1 September 1942, Page 2

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

EMPLOYMENT BY CITY COUNCIL R.S.A. ENTERS STRONG PROTEST Strong exception was taken by executive members of the Dunedin Unturned Services Association at a meeting lasi, night, to the appointment, by (he City Council of the wife of a man 'who is a conscicnlions objector, and wbo is now in a defaulters’ camp, ft was slated ihai the woman was employed in a position where she came in conlaci. with the public, I hat she- bad expressed tiie same views as those held by her husband, and l.iial .-nine public resentment al her appointment bad been expressed. It was Inal by Ihe association's executive that there were soldiers’ widows, wives of soldiers, or relumed soldiers who could have been given the position. A draft of a Idler in (lie Oily Council was submilled for discussion, and finally approved m iinimmisly■ The letter, inter alia, contained the following:—“My Executive Committee would appreciate if'Die council will define its altitude to permanent or temporary employees when ex-servicemen are available or the fa I hers of sons serving overseas with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. My executive is of the opinion that I here is a principle involved which will have far-reaching effects in the near future. The N.Z.R.S.A. lias always maintained that, all tilings being equal, preference should be given to ex-scrvice-mcn.” It was stated that, the woman took the position of a young man who lias joined the Air Force, and that bis father was very upset because of it. Indeed, stated the secretary (Mr O. L. Ferens), the appointment had caused quite a lot of illfeeling. “ .She makes no bones about her opinions,’’ bo added. “ She bolds the same views as her husband. This woman gets an allowance from the State while her husband is in a defaulters’ camp, and at the same time slip U drawing money from tho ratepayers of Dunedin.” Mr A. McHutcbcou said he considered it should bo the policy of the council to determine tfie loyalty of its employees. A further case which was considered by the executive related In a man employed by the reserves department who was a conscientious objector during tbe iast war. This man had recently given evidence in support of another conscientious objector. The association bad already communicated with the City Council on the matter, and a reply from the town clerk, which was tabled, stated that it was not the policy of the department to inquire into the beliefs of employees, and it was proposed that no further action be taken. Mr W. F. Forrester said he thought the council should lay down a definite policy. Aile.- further considerable discussion ihe correspondence was approved. thelompetitions