The Thomson Cases.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 79, 13 September 1912, Page 8

The Thomson Cases.

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTIONS.

Mr. Peter Thomson, of Nelson, forwards a lengthy letter which appeared in tlio local "Evening Mail" as an advertisement above his signature on the recent oath profeeiitions in Nelson. We have not space to reprint the letter, which sets forth in particular the case of his two lads, the elder of whom was selected by the Defence Department as one of the Ward Government "special cases," was fined the maximum penalty on July 22 of last year, and had to leave the country to escape the other penalties promised by Magistrate Evans for failing to register; while the younger was among tho recent batch of boys prosecuted for refusing to take the oath, but agninst whom the informations were dismised, after a fortnight's adjournment. Mr. Thomson's son wns compelled to engage counsel, yei* thrbngh Magistrate Evans and the Pefe*_ice Department admitted that there was nothing in the Act to warrant them in prosecuting a boy for refusing to take the oath, although it is admitted that the Defence authorities have presumptuously added to it and imprisoned boys all over the Dominion for refusing to take what is an illegal oath, the defendant had to pay hja own expenses. Mr. Thomson's objections to military service are entirely on conscientious grounds, believing, as Christadelphian.*** the world over believe, that "the New Testament, strictly prohibits all followers, of the Prince of Peace from using the sv,ord." He has had to siiffer for his 'belief— and in a Christian land. IP._e mockery of itl All persons ot>"ght to follow -what is right, and n<_*'t what is established.— Aristotle >