“I WONT GO TO CAMP!”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1667, 27 January 1917, Page 3

“I WONT GO TO CAMP!”

A RELIGIOUS OBJECTOR. THE ISRAELITE HOUSE OF DAVID. “I won’t go into camp, and no man will make me do anything against my convictions,” stilted Frederick William Anderson to the Thirel Military Service Board tit Wellington yesterday (says the Post). Anderson was recently calleel up under the ballot, and appealed against going into camp on the ground of conscientious religious objections. He set id he* was a member of the Israelite House of David, an American sect. Anderson refused to swear by the Bible, stilling “1 never swear.” lie promised to tell the truth. Capt. Baldwin (military representative) : “You object to serve* with (he* New Zealand Forces?” Appellant : “I do.” He spited further that he abided by the First Commandment, “Thou shall have no other gods before me*,” He* recognised no one but Jesus. Jesus had stilted that he who lived by the sword should die by the sword. Appellant continued in a like strain for some time, giving numerous Biblical epiotations upon which, he said, he relied. He belonged to the Israelite House of David, and was now waiting for his permit to go to America to attend an Ingathering of Israelites. He had given up everything which wtis against his convictions, and Intel severed connection with the world. Captain Baldwin: How Jong is it since yon became, a member of the Israelites? Appellant: You don’t become members. You are virtually members before becoming so. How long have yon belonged to them ? —Three months. What were yon before that:? —A. Christian Scientist—a Christian Science Imaler. How long were you a meinhef of the Christian Scientists? — Ten year.-. The Chairman: A healer till that time?—No, for three years only. Is there any head of the Christian Scientists?— No. They arc a, recognised sect, however. In tin Ameri(*an State a Christian Sciemeo healer has statutory recognition, I graduated as a healer. Is there anything in the tenets of Hu* Christian Scientists which says you must nut tight ? —J have my own conseiemtious objection to lighting. I will not, light. Capl. Baldwin staled that as (lie* Israelite House of David did not come under the exemption clause of Hu* Act the appeal would have* to be dismissed. The Chairman. “Yes.” Mr M oorhouse then asked Anderson if he would undertake* to do non-combatant work, as provided for in the Act, and Anderson replied bluntly, “No.” The Chairman (after consulting with other members) : Very well. The ease* is dismissed. Appellant : What does that mean?' —lt means Hull we cannot help to keep you out of cutup. What is the next step? Capt. Baldwin: You will receive a. notice to go into camp, tf you do not obey that you become a deserter. Appellant :I say Imre*, ,1 am not: going into camp. 1 won’t go into camp, and no man will make me do anything against my convict ions. The Chairman: That dot's nut concern us. Appellant, a big-built man, placed his hill on his head and departed hurriedly.