Fighting Conscription.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 22, 4 August 1911, Page 14

Fighting Conscription.

In the world-wide spectacle of the Labor movement ,stretching out stern , hands to drag the mighty from their seats, one may behold the hopo of universal peace.—Syd "Worker S\. Tho Western Miners' Federation at Butte, Montana, has condemned the Boy Scouts movement as befitting flunkeys, wholly unfitting the boys of America for citizenship, and inculcating a spirit of militarism. * * * . The opponents of compulsory military training held a most successful meeting in His Majesty's Theatre, Christchurch, on Sunday, July 23. There was a largo attendance. E. Howard, 0. Smith and L. R. Wilson addressed the meeting. The following resolution was carried with but four disseiiteivts: "That this meeting emphatically protests against tho imprisonment of a boy in Wellington who refused to register under the new de-» fence scheme, and, further, that all present to-night will do their utmost to prevent the return to Parliament of any candidate who supports the newscheme of compulsory military training." * * * A branch of the Anti-Militarist League is in course of formation in Dunedin. The suggestion of a joint ! conference of all those opposed to conscrip- ; tk>n is a good one. Mr. Christie, secretary of Christchurch Anti-Militarist Council, suggests in about a month's time as being suitable. • * * * The Christchurch Anti-Militarist Council has the names of over 1000 persons who have signed a circular expressing their opposition to the Act. '.■■*•- * * A large anti-militarist meeting was held in Waihi on July 23. Great enthusiasm prevailed. An Anti-Con®&fip-tioh League was formed to further the interests of peace. i "*'-■■* * A meeting of anti-censcriptionists .was held in Godbcr's rooms, Wellington, on July 27, when a strong committee for peace propaganda purposes was formed. Mr. F. Freeman was appointed secretary. * * * At a recent meeting of the Patea Watersiders and General Labourers' a resolution-was passed expressing apSreciation at the stand taken by young Ornish in connection with his refusal to register to become a legalised murderer. Tho sum of £1 lis was forwarded to "The. Worker" fighting fund. An Anti-Conscription League was formed at Runanga recently. A committee was appointed, with H. Knight as secretary. It is intended to circularise other leagues in N.Z. with a view .of taking concerted action at an early date. ,- # • • A largely attended meeting of the Auckland Anti-Militarist Society was held on July 23. It was decided to hold a public demonstration in about a fortnight. _ It was decided to ask the co-operation of the Peace Society and labour unions to arrange for concerted action against the measure. * * * After serving three weeks with hard labour in the Wellington gaol, young Cornish was to bo released yesterday and to be'given a triumphal reception, j John Renney, of Dunedin, was sum- i moned before the S.M. Court for refusing to become an automatic machine under the "Defence Act,." The lad gave as his reason for refusing that it interfered with him learning his trade, that of a plumber. In a plausible lecture the Magistrate told the boy what a fine "sport" military training was and adjourned the case for a week so that the lad could decide, about "doing his duty" as the Magistrate incorrectly put it. * * * "Thou shalt not kill" is good. "I will not kill" is better. * * * A day will come when a cannon-ball will be exhibited in public museums, just as art instrument of torture is now, and people will be amazed that such a thing could ever have been.— Victor Hugo. * * * Directly any boy goes to gaol rather than register for sword-slashing we shall esteem it a favour to be notified thereof by wire. * * * .. "The pen is mightier than the sword" is inscribed across "Free Lance's" title; nevertheless, "Free Lance" lives by the sword and shall perish by it. Ever has it been that the upholders of the sword fell by the swords

If the Sydney "Bulletin" can manage it we're in for that war with Japan', sure as Hell. # * '.*"'■ Dear Worker.—-Greetings { Success to the Federation of Labour which aims at industrial peace, and will finally secure. Universal peace, which is a far brighter and better goal to strive for; than standing armies or dead soldiers, despite the flapdoodleian hypocrisy of Ward and Co.—Yours for the cause, JOSEPH GREY. *■-.."* * The late Emperor Fredrick said: —"I have seen war, and know nothing so horrible as this human murdering." *- #-.■*■ # War is a game which, were their subjects wise, Kings would hot play at. —Cowper. The workers of the world are moving internationally to put an end to conscription, whilst many here in New Zealand are sitting idly by and watching the process being inflicted upon the youth of this country. Over twenty million pounds sterling were wasted on the Coronation Circus. In the "heart of the Empire," England, people are suffering by the millions because of insufficient food. Glorious Empire! Glorious Coronation! Oh, damn the starving; let us sing "God Save!"