A DISCIPLE OF MARX.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1734, 25 September 1917, Page 3

A DISCIPLE OF MARX.

THE SOCIALISTS’ GOSPEL.' DEFIANCE OF AUTHORITY. “I absolutely refuse to accept the order to parade, and would rather die than go to camp!” These words came as the climax to one of the most remarkable eases that have been beard by the Military Service Board at Auckland, last week, and were spoken by Hugh R. Gray, farmer, of the Great Barrier, who based an appeal on the ground of undue hardship. Appellant, who both hy written document and speech proclaimed himself a Marxian disciple, described himself as a “class-conscious slave at present working on a farm.” Interrupting a Hood of rhetoric freely interspersed with quotations from [lie appellant's favourite author, the chairman asked. “What arc your real grounds of appeal? You talk so much, it is very difficult to follow yon.” Appellant replied that lie was assisting his brother in (he working of a farm of close on 2,000 acres. His brother had been classed as unfit, and could not manage alone. A further omphalic statement of Ids convictions contained the following elaboration of his personal objections to military service:— “Being one of the class-conscious proletariat, with nothing to sell hut hy labour power, and knowing from a study of the materialistic conception of history the law of surplus value, and having no interest in the conquering of the world-markets, I will not bo involved in a war which is being waged by the capitalists of the different nations.” Turning the beacon-light of his Marxian principles on to the subject of religion, appellant went on to state that, in his opinion, “there was no God, save that perpetuated by capitalism, for the purpose of keeping the people drugged.” The Chairman: Come now, I warn yon —have you any other legitimate grounds of appeal?. Are your parents living? Appellant: Yes. Are yon supporting them? —No; (hoy are assisting mo. The Chairman: Well, what’s your real grounds of appeal? “The host grounds in the world,” came the candid reply, “looking after my own skin! Self preservation is the first law of nature, you know.” Mr Burgess: The board will not think so. “We will sec about that,” replied appellant, who, reverting to his Socialistic theme, asked the chairman; “Have you ever done any hard work in your life?” “Of course I have,” said Mr Burgess. Mr Pino: Do you know you are addressing a magistrate? Appellant: A man is a man the whole world over, magistrate or not. Having been warned to reply to questions instead, of asking them, witness gave a few more details regarding liis farm life. Good work had been done on the properly, he said, and ho expected to do very well with it. Air Elliot: I think yon had belter do away with it, or you may find yourself becoming a capitalist! “Many a capitalist is a Socialist, but ho daren’t admit it!” parried appellant. Atv Pine: Move the other way ahnnt. After listening to a further discussion on religion and other points already covered, the hoard dismissed the appeal, and instructed Gray to proceed to camp with the October draft, appellant, who maintained an attitude of extreme defiance throughout, declaring his fixed intention of doing nothing of the kind.