MILITARY SERVICE

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21366, 10 March 1941, Page 6

MILITARY SERVICE

OBJECTORS HEARD CONSCIENTIOUS GROUNDS CASES IN HAMILTON Several conscientious objectors were heard by the No. 2 Armed Forces Appeal Board today at the Hamilton sitting. Frederick John Heerdegen, aged 38, newspaper agent, Grey Street, Hamilton, said he had been a member of the Open Brethren for ten years. He was prepared to do anytning to assist the country in its time of trial under civil authority. He did not claim that wars could be avoided, but God kept him from killing. If one lived by the sword one would ©erish by the sword, but personally he had no fear of death. He was not concerned with violence, but he could do nothing under military control. The military machine was a vicious thing. God allowed wars, but prohibits him, as an individual. from taking part. The Board reserved decision. William John Pethybridge, aged 23, caroenter, Parr Street, Frankton Junction, claimed exemption from military service as a conscientious obiector. On affirmation, he confirmed his written statement, and added he had been a member of the Open Brethren for seven years actively and since childhood with members of his family. He was Qualifying with the St. John Ambulance, and would be prepared to serve with the medical corps. Decision was reserved. A Non-combatant Christie Charles Forno, aged 27, Opoia Road, Hamilton, also appealed against any military service as a conscientious objector. He had been a member of the Open Brethren for six years. He was prepared to serve in a non-combatant capacity. Decision was reserved. Another conscientious objector was Jesse Theodore Chesterfield, aged 39, builder. Devon Street, Frankton Junction. He said he had been an adherent and member of the sect known as tne Exclusive Brethren for 22 years. He was willing to do anytning as a war effort except bear arms. Decision was reserved. Charles Cyril Barber, cheese factory employee, Rototuna, appealed as a conscientious objector. This case was dismissed in the absence of appellant. Clifford Cameron Broadbent, clerk, Grey Street, Hamilton, appealed against military service, and handed in a written statement. Appellant, a member of the Open Brethren for lour or five years, said he was willing to do any non-combatant service. Decision was reserved. Without Fighting Bertram Robert Henry Davey, aged 38, railway surfaceman, Eureka, appealed as a conscientious objector. Alter his written statement had been perused, Davey said he had been a Methodist for the past ten years, prior to which he was an Anglican. His conscientious objections had been very definite for three years. To Mr D. Seymour, Crown representative, he said he would not refuse to help win the war. He was paying taxes used for war purposes, but that was as far as he could go. He could not do non-combatant ser*vice. His conscience prevented him from taking his place in the front line. He would follow the precept of the Good Samaritan, and assist with bandaging of anyone wounded in military action, both civilians or soldiers, but not if it meant refitting a man t * return to the firing line. He would assist to alleviate pain and save life, but not exactly to restore health. Christ rebuked Peter for using violence. His own duty, as he understood it. was to help keep the law. A policeman arresting an offender was an example of the law ot love blended with the law of force. To take life was'not the way to correct the ills of the world. Agreement With Encmr Continuing. Davey said that by shooting .one’s fellow men one was

not getting nearer to the Kingdom of God. He had pledged himself as a Christian to stay out of the conflict. He was not prepared to do non-com-batant work under military authority. The ways and means of war to overcome one’s difficulties were contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ.. To the chairman. Mr S. L. Paterson. S.M.. Davey said he thought it preferable for the .Government, to come to some agreement with the enemy without fighting. The Rev. V. de C. Binet. Methodist, minister at Otorohanga, said hr had known Davey for 11 months and found him to be a sincere conscientious objector. Decision was reserved.