Would Rather Have German Prisoners.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 23 May 1918, Page 2

Would Rather Have German Prisoners.

THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOIi AGAIN.

The presence of the religious objector on our borders brought forth some indignant remarks at (lie conclusion of last meeting of the Borough Council, the matter being introduced by Cr Mackenzie's query to the Mayor: "Do you intend to'take any action as chief magistrate?" The Mayor said he did not think he was called upon to do so. People objected to tliem but some people also objected to the Second Division League! The position was entirely one of Government policy and he did not see how they could interfere with the Government.

Cr Matheson: They have to be sent somewhere, and Levin might as well have the benefit of them as any other town.

Cr Lancaster: There is a very stronk feeling' against them here. Some protest ought to be made. The Mayor: Well, I will have nothing to do with it. Cr Mackenzie: Surely it rather torches on the honour of the town to allow such a thing to take, place without a protest.

The Mayor said he had an utter contempt for those who objected to fight, but still he did not see what they could do. . Cr Mackenzie: I , would sooner have German prisoners here than these men!

' Cr Parker: What can we do? We are up against the law of the land which exempts them. Cr Ryder said he did not mind the men being here so much if they were made to do useful work, but they were not. Cr Broome pointed out that the Sevenh Day Adventists who got Saturday off always worked on Sunday. His own opinion was that if these men objected to obey the laws of the land they should be exiled. They should share its responsibilities, as well as its privileges. The Mayor agreed with this statement of the case and the matter ended there.