“MADE MY BLOOD BOIL”

Evening Star, Issue 22145, 27 September 1935, Page 10

“MADE MY BLOOD BOIL”

MR ITLEDD DN PACIFISM CLERGY SIGNATORIES ASSAILED x [Fkom Ouk Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON”, September 27. “If I ever felt sorry I was a Presbyterian it was when I read the letter to the Prime Minister from clergymen protesting against war,” declared Mr M‘Leod in the House to-day. “ Three Presbyterian ministers signed the letter, but I am sure they did not represent the opinion of 1 per cent, of the Presbyterians of this Dominion.” Mr M'Leod said he knew the history of Presbyterianism and where it sprang from. He knew what they had had to do to defend their rights. “ I have never yet imagined,” said Mr M‘Leod.”“ that Presbyterians would get down to the position when they were not prepared to fight in defence of their women and their young. It made my blood boil to read the letter. ’ Mr Parry: That means something then. ■

Mr M‘Leod: In my life, which has largely been outdoor, I have been able to study animal life, as well as human life, and I have found that animals defend their young; even the skunk, which represents the lowest order ol animal life, ■ will fight to defend its young. When I hear Presbyterian ministers, or so-called ministers, saying that they will not fight, I am almost ashamed to be a Presbyterian.” He said that,’while the people of New Zealand hated war, ho was convinced that if war came they would fight.