ARMY PROBLEM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1942, Page 4

ARMY PROBLEM

HINDU IN BALLOT DIET AND RELIGION. WILL JOIN FIRE SERVICE. An unusual problem was presented to the Auckland District Manpower Committee when it had to consider the extent to which a call for military service with a European army could affect a Hindu. The reservist was Deva Kanji, a Hindu fruiterer of Mount Eden, who appealed against his entry into camp. Kanji is 28 and was represented by Mr O’Donnell. Before the reservist, gave evidence the oath was administered on the Indian Bible, which he had produced for the purpose. He said he had been .in New Zealand since 1932 and took up business on his own account in 1935. STRICT VEGETARIAN. “I am a high-caste Hindu and my religion and beliefs restrict me to a purely vegetarian diet,” said Kanji. “Eggs, or any foods containing eggs, and any foods cooked in or tainted with animal fats are excluded from my diet. Vegetables have to be cooked in butter or olive oil. It will be a source of considerable hardship to me and against the tenets of my religion if my diet is not strictly adhered to The reservist said he had been m the Emergency Precautions Service for several months and was willing to give his services to the country in any capacity which did not interfere with his religious beliefs. AUCKLAND’S HINDUS. It was explained in evidence that Hindus of high caste could not eat vegetables which had been handled by a person of lbwer caste or by a person of another race. Earthem vessels handled by such a person would be regarded as contaminated, and other types of vessels would have to be cleansed according to caste rites before being usable for cooking. The number of Hindus in Auckland, it was stated, was in the vicinity of 100, of whom about 30 were females. Those of military age would probably not number more than 30. They were of varying castes and all would not necessarily have the same outlook on food and its preparation. The appeal was adjourned sine die and the reservist was instructed to join the Emergency Fire Service.