DEFENCE OBJECTORS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2258, 18 September 1914, Page 6

DEFENCE OBJECTORS.

SOME DRASTIC PROPOSALS, An interesting paper relating to- tho question of alternative for religious and conscientious objectors to military training was laid on the table of the House yesterday by the Minister' of Defence, (the Hon. J. Allen). The paper contains a- summary of tho replies to the circular sent by the Minister in March to local bodies .in the Dominion, asking for suggestions on the question. The local bodies were, invited in tho circular to make suggestions as to the nature of work that would be most suitable for the objectors, and also whether they would provide work and assist in the administration. The return shows that 32 local bodies forwarded replies to the effect that they were in favour' of alternative .service' for religious and conscientious objectors. One body, the Bay of Islands County Council, stated that it was not in favour ■ of, exemption on conscientious grounds. Several bodies did not reply "Yes" or "No," and whilst some of these made suggestions; others had no suggestions to offer. Amongst the _ suggested methods of employing the objectors aro: Quarry, and road works, cooking and fatigue work at camps, town-planning and beautifying schemes, afforestation, eradication of noxious weeds, and ambulance work. The Hobson Comity Council expresses the opinion that "no exemptions should bo allowed to conscientious objectors," whilst the Westland Council thinks that "objectors should bo deported or lose their civil rights or be put _ in gaol." Tho Mosgiel Borough Council suggests that the objectors "should not »p eligible for any position in the Civil Service or allowed to tako nart in land ballots and should bo disfranchised." The Waitemata County Council considers that "no objectors should be allowed." The Coromandcl County ,Coun- ; oil recommends that the objectors should he employed in ''febokihg or general rouscabout work." " ~"' The Hon. J. Allen said that the return had been laid on tho table of the House purely for the information of members. Ho did not think any action in the matter covered" by the return would be necessary, because there were very few conscientious objectors now. He had been glad to hear the short de;bate, and to note'the stimulating effect the war had had on members, and especially on tho member for Avon.