DIVINITY STUDENTS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1929, Page 5

DIVINITY STUDENTS

LOSE CIVIL RIGHTS. ,B.v Telegraph—Dress Association). AUCKLAND, June 12. An order withdrawing all civil riglits from Alex Miller and Alan Morgan Richards, two Divinity students, who are members of the Presbyterian Church, was made by MagD trutc Hunt, in the Police Court today, on charges of failing to attend ! 1 1 n'n'd ”*}ich wrs fined five poll mis. The charge against Alex Miller vas heard first, Captain Wales stating that Miller would not undergo military training owing to his religious beliefs. He had been offered hospital work, in lieu of training. This would entail liis attendance at a public hospital for two weeks .u each year as an orderly at the wards. Ordinary civil clothes would be worn by him, and he would not be connected with the Defence Department in' any way. To this offer Miller had t-wilicd Hint lie required it specially gazetted that this service would he in lion of ordinary training. “If this nroposal i.s made to me by reason of the fact that your Department believes me to be acting under definite rel brious convictions, then such convictions entitle me to exemption under the Defence Act,’ stated a letter from Miller. “The granting of such exemption would then leave me free to take up such service as might be otherwise pro«'.pho(l. This T. wowld he only too ready to do. -Meanwhile my con vietions on this matter will not allow mo to countenance your organisation by remaining A unit of it.’’ Miller said lie did not recognise the right of Captain Wales to offer hospital work. <<] will offer it to you now, through the Court,” said the Magistrate. >lilb..- intimated that this did not meet with his approval. Thereupon tlie Magistrate imposed the penalty of the fine and the loss of civil rights. Richards’ c-se was on similar linos to that of Miller. The police said that he had been twice previously convicted and fined five pounds on each occasion. The same penalty as in Miller’s case was imposed. J. N. McDoiigall, who is also a member of the Prseb-ytcrian Church •ind who stated' that his objection was on religious grounds, was linoo one pound for not attending ‘ ll and was refused exemption.