THE “CONCHIES”

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1918, Page 3

THE “CONCHIES”

STATEMENT BY DEFENCE. MINISTER. WELLINGTON, Jan. 23. Replying to a question as to the treatment of conscientious objectors, the Minister of Defence said:— “Fourteen men were sent Home, like all other troops are sent. This is a summary of the position in regard to these fourteen so-called conscientious objectors:— ; , Men alleging religious objection ft Men alleging hardship or public

interest 0 Men who did n o t appeal at all 4 “Tn the case of one objector, whose case has been brought specially under my notice, the man did not appeal on account of conscientious or religious ob joetions; he appealed on account of public interest and hardship, .and his appeal was dismissed. “The men who wore sent Home absolutely refused to' obey orders during the voyage. On their arrival in England they were dealt with exactly as other soldiers. The report I received from General Richardson was to tbe effect that ns they did not belong to any religious sect which objected to hearing arms, fthey were not privileged to receive special consideration. They were medically fit and capable of under going training. “Thfi latest, information is that all

the conscientious objectors who were sent to England.-oxcept two. have agreed to do duty either in 'the infantry or as. stretcher-bearers. “In addition to the two conscientious objectors just mentioned there were thrbe others who have been treated like any other soldiers, and halve had to he tried by court-martial in France on a. charge of disobedience of orders. The Court found them guilty, and condemned them to five years’ penal servitude. General Godley, however, com muted the sentences to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour.”