THE “CONCHIES” JOY DAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1920, Page 4

THE “CONCHIES” JOY DAY.

DR MEYEIt HITS OUT

Conscientious objectors had a joy day on November 29, when they celebrated by a convention at Devonshire House, Bishopsgate, the part they played in the great’ war. But it was not altogether a day of pure rejoicing, for words that Bounded like Heresy to the ears of the conscientious ones came from unexpected quarters, even irom some they had invited to join in the gladsome festival. The Rev. Dr F. B. Meyer, one of the speakers, had something to say that did not exactly please. “I sent my own grandson with my blessing, to die on Viniy Ridge and 1,100 men from my own church to the war.” he declared to, the accompaniment of shouts of “Shame.” “I am here to speak my mind,” he retorted. “You ought to be tolerant for evermore with those who differed from you.” (Cheers). Though the ideal you hold may be. true borrowed from the mind of God, and one that is likeliest enough to make a new basis for the world, I felt, at the time when Belgium, and other down-trodden peoples were calling for help, that I must be prepared to sacrifice my ideal in order to give them such help as I thought they needed.” (Cheers.) H. G. WELLS’S REBUFF. Prominent people had been asked to send messages, and amongst numerous responses was this piece of good advice from Mr H. G. Wells: The only message I can send to your meeting is this: That the conscientious objectors having saved their skin, can afford to refrain from heroic attitudes and will show a seemly gratitude to the dead by working as hard as they can for the world settlement, which the overthrow of German aggressive imperialism has made possible.

Mr G. Bernard Shaw wrote: “It is not for me to judge, but the C.O.’s can pass the Tv ant ia n test—* Would it be well for the world if everyone did as I am doing’?”