Defaulters’ prosecutions to cease

A cessation of the prosecution of military defaulters and conscientious objectors was announced in the House of Representatives by the Prime Minister last night (wires our Wellington correspondent). Mr Massey said that at the Cabinet meeting a day or two ago it was decided that there would be no more such prosecutions. He did not know that we had any conscientious objectors in prison now and very few defaulters. Mr Massey added that he wished to make it perfectly clear that what was intended by Cabinet would

not affect the defaulters who had not done their duty during the war, and had been deprived of their civil rights. Mr G. Witty(Riccarton): ‘‘Does that mean that those who have been defaulters will not be bothered about?‘‘ Mr Massey: ‘‘Yes.’’ Mr Isitt (Christchurch North): ‘‘Will that apply to people who do not attend a drill?’’ Mr Massey: ‘‘No, but I understand there are a number of people to whom it will apply still in hiding.’’