Conscientious Objectors.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 11 May 1918, Page 3

Conscientious Objectors.

SOME PERTINENT QUESTIONS.

(To The Editor.)

Sir, —I think you must be aware that there exists in Levin more than a "growing feeling" against the Government sending to the Weraroa Experimental Farm a number of those who are classed as Conscientious Objectors. We know that the Farm has become a dumping-ground for ther-e people, and now it is currently reported] that about forty more arc to be quartered there. Can you wonder thaji a "strong feeling" of indignation prevails in our quiet community at the action of the Government in giving thiDis non-combatants such peaceful quarters where, it is said, there is no taskmaster; where the "Government stroke" raises no blisters; where a Chinaman cook is provided as the guardian angel of these shirkers; and wlicixi they rest cojiteni'; to think they have escaped military service? j

Can you, sir, inform youtr readers whether it te a fact that at tihe weekend. these Conscientious Obstructors ge|; leave to visit their friends and that one itndivlidlual, at least, goes to Wellington to dwell in the) bosom of his family until Monday morning, when he turns up.like a gentleman who has been to H's town villa?

Thinik of it, ye people of Levin. You have a numiber of men in your midst, and others are coming, who are such faiva.tics that they refuse to go to the front to relieve and succouir the wounded. In our little community we Jhave denied ourselves in many ways to help our boys suffering hardships a.t tihe front. In tears we have bidden farewell to tlie pick of v our families tliafc they should fight for the good of humanity. Many have been bereaved ol thpir loved ones. Yet in our midst are men (forgive the term) wlio are doing lazy work on the Government Farm, who are getting paid on an equality witlhi our boys who are layfc'ng down their lives for home and country. .

Mr Mayor, cannot you originate a protest against these undesirables being quartered amongst us? Think of the. effect upon 'the rising generation. How can we expect our lads to turn out .brave men if they learn from tlhe object lessons on till© State Farm? Tlieiir presence is a blight upon ijhe oommunity. I can assure his Worship that if lie called a publio laeetii'ng to express indignation, the response would show the Government that (they are trifling witili the Feelings of the people. J_,et these sShlaikers be sent out ot Mie country. Feedl them on bully beef and biscuits; maketliem work on the roads in the countries under fire; and if tlhey meefr with scorn from the boys who ®re fienhting it will be What they deserve. Yoms .'etc., WOUNDED.

The Palmorston Standard quotes the "ChrorfeleV' previous 'reference to the indignation- fel)i locally at the conditions uniler which conscientious objectors are employed at the Central Development Farm, and comments as follows: "Now that married men are being called upon to enter camp and the second section of the Second Division will shortly turns to follow them, ,he public are to. look askmce upon men wiho continue to claim ill the privileges of citizenship whi e gnorintr its responsibilities, an the ma er of iXaiional defence. TShen-e ». mleed a "growing feeling" here also, hat the Government has been too indigent in exempting a certain class ° 'conscientious objector" from ant -erviice, and that not only should T appeals'for exemption that have ,een decided in favour of the appelant be reviewed by the Military Service Boards, but that e) c>f lection '1 of clause 18 of Dhe ,TV«tar> sm-vice Act. under wlwch these contentious objectors take refuge, shoild be either repealed or its opera © mspendled, in view of the gravity of , hc crHs in which we now find our •elves. It ds very questionable wheher any of the able-bodied men no* 'enjoying quite a pleasant fame in the art*T SUST- —«»<* icrious bodies who have « ot . eve " * H d for exemption for the,,," clergy ind , ,ione specially piovide V ,cxemp--lUch applications are ma^e^emp ,i, on asked: for may be decline to beheve they letter Christians than the sending against . tlasp!h«mousily renerates, j law that t#hojroclttimed that ttie y Might, I"?™ tb' X of ]'™" lefl-.i°y tllP TO •; ~ the fundameniberty, and and C ; Til . contentious objectors" ,hose , crreiat eacrifice m villmgly mad® tin « there tetace of I ,rln '; ll ' *. 110 ta « « w ant to