THE ANTI-CONSCRIPTION LEAGUE.
_ Sir,—As thero seems to be some confusion with regard to the above, will you pormit me to explain the position (t) Tho suggestion tn form a league to combat compulsory military training, was first mado at ono of tho Socialist party's weekly public meetings, the result being that a public meeting was held, resultin" in the formation of the Anti-Conscription League.. At a subsequent meeting of tin, lcaguo, it was resolved to thank tho So cialist party for tho use of their hall, and to give them permission to soli litera turo at the Sunday night meeting in His Majesty's Theatre. This, coupled with the fact that out of a number of speakers invited, three Socialists attended, no donbt was rosponsiblo for (ho impression that it was a Socialist meeting.
(2) The Anti-Conscription Leaguo does not object to defence, or even militarism, it is out for tho repeal of the present Compulsory Military Training Act, for the following reasons:—lst. ■ Because compulsory military training is unnecesary, and is an insult to young New Zealanders. 2nd. Hecause the franchise is the birthright of all New Zealanders upon attaining the. <\go of 21 years, and should rot be interfered with before that age. 3rd. ,'l'hat the manufacture of criminals, l,y gaoling boys for conscientiousness, is not in the best interests of this country, is detrimental to manhood in general, and is a most terrible form of despotism, totally opposed to the much-Haunted idea of British freedom. 4th. llecause tho Ward party, or any other party, has no right to say a boy shall not receive Government employment for the rest of his natural life. sth. Because the educational effect is not in the right direction. In conclusion, I should like, to say, with reference to Lindsay C. Godfrey's asser-
lion, that those who think differently to him are "poor specimens of humanity," that after reading his letter I do not blame, I pity him. Thanking you in advance,—l am, etc., L. GOODGER, .August 2, 1911.
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Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1198, 5 August 1911, Page 13
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335THE ANTI-CONSCRIPTION LEAGUE. Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1198, 5 August 1911, Page 13
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