THE "MARTYRS."

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1798, 10 July 1913, Page 5

THE "MARTYRS."

DEPUTATION TO PRESBYTERY.. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Christchurch, July 9. An interlude in tho ordinary proceeds ings of tho Christchurch Prcsliylcry this morning was provided by the appearance of a deputation from tho Peace Council. Tho members of the deputation wore Mrs. Nuttall, llr. C. 11. N. Maclsie, and. Mr. .T. Rhodes. "I am sure," said tho actingmoderator, before.tho deputation withdraw, "that wo will tulco to heart what you have said and discuss it in a fair spirit. Personally I do not. agroo with all that Mr. Mackio has said. I think that; sometimes, war is necessary— (hear, hoar)—bui otherwise I hate war. I have great sympathy with tho lads. As gaol chaplain at Lyltelton I think that it is a wrong thing to put tho lads at Lyttolton among criminals, and I wish I could see some other way for punishing them. I liopo that some amendment ill the Act will bo liiado which will allow your boys some ot her way of getting out of the punishment to which they are liable." When tho deputation had withdrawn the llov. T. Tait moved that a committee consisting of the clerk (who was known to bo an especial sympathiser with the deputation) tho liev. J. Mackenzie (one of their military chaplains) should bo asked by tho Presbytery to mako inquiry coneei-ninp any relevant facts. Ho was not assuming that there was any gigantic ovil in this thing just now. Dr. Envin said that tho lad Nuttall was evidently a conscientious objector. There wero provisions in the Act for con. scientious objectors. If these wero being over-ridden it would bo a serious thing. However, evidence on this point should bo unbiased. He supported the motion. Tho Rev. J. Mackenzie: There is nrtt the slightest doubt -that this question will have to bo discussed by the General Assembly. Christchurcli has boon ' som<vthinp of a "storm centre," and responsibility will rest upon this Presbytery in advising tho Assenlbly in roforenco .to t hp Act. At present no i»ood can arise by prooipitating a discussion on tlio subject, Thoro was no more discussion, and th« motion was carricd unanimously.