War Services

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1922, Page 3

War Services

DISCUSSED IN HOUSE. WELINGTON, Sept 1-1

Some zest was generated in the lb ase to-night during the discussion oil the six null reading of tlm War Disabilitvs Removal Bill, which restores lull privilege., to those British subjects \\‘hu, by virtue <f their birth or for some other reason, ionic within the definitions of the term “alien” enemy and person of. enemy origin.” as used in the War Regulations Continuance Act. 1020. Mr McCombs argued for equal treatment. for conscientious objectors by restoring lo thorn the right to "ote. He said that these men had already paid the penalty, some of them having gold* to gaol for two. three and four years. Mr Svkes: That was safei than the l • cliches. In the course of hi* subsequent remarks Alt- McCombs referred lo Mr Sykes, whom lie said, bad not gone to tlio front.

Tliis culled forth a storm of protest, dining which il was explained that Mr Sykes bad lost sons at the v or, and had himself performed valuable war service in New Zealand. Next Mr Potter found occasion to refer to Mr McCombs as a “shirker.” Mr McCombs: An l ’ "i nre afraid Ln face tbe College boys.

Mr Potter: And you took to the bush.

About twenty members then took part with interjections. _c; using .'!r Speaker to i isi and call for order. Tile tumult did not at once sub-ire and Mi" Speaker threatened to “name” certain numbers.

Mr McCombs then, by wav of personal explanation, stated that during the war lie submitted himself for medical examination anti was declared unfit for service at tile Irullt. luiter when Mr 11. E. Holland was defending the sincere i oiisi iilntious objectors he was interrupted by Mr Potter. who asserted that many of these meiL had very convenient convictions. Mr Holland thou said that be would write to the College boys for a definition of “courage,” and when lie got it, lie would hand it to a certain gentleman in the House — Mr McCombs: Who was Oliver in the front lino trenches. Rising to a. point- of order, Mr Polt;.i* asked permission to make « personal cxphiuatioii. He said that ho u .,s t:m oi the New Zealand officers •vim at Waterloo Road. Pa.sschenilacle, went out half a mile in front ol the front lino trenches. This statement was eorroboratnl by Colonel Mitchell (Wellington South). Tb'' dismission then proceeded evenly.