OBJECT TO KILLING

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 695, 21 June 1929, Page 18

OBJECT TO KILLING

EXEMPTION FOR YOUTHS WILL DO OTHER WORK (From Our Oven Correspondent) OPOTIKI, Thursday. On the understanding that they will do other work, two youths, James Ramsay and Charles Ross, were granted exemption from military training by Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court today. ■fyTR. HODGSON, who appeared for the applicants, said that both boys belonged to a faith without a name. They called themselves “Christians.” The nearest approach to that faith was the Society of Friends. Both objected to bearing military arms or taking life, but did not object to other service. It was proposed that they should do hospital work” without wearing uniforms. Lieutenant Browning, on behalf cf the Defence Department, opposed the applications. James Ramsay stated that war was contrary to the teachings of Christ. Lieutenant Browning contended there was nothing warlike about cadet training.

Mr. Paterson replied that it was all preparatory for war. When a boy proposed to do alternative service it was evident his objection was bona fide. Lieutenant Browning expressed the opinion that the boys were too young to have fixed opinions. Cadets were not trained to kill, and all leading statesmen w*ere opposed to war. The magistrate, in granting the application, said the boys belonged to a sect having similar beliefs to those of the Society of Friends. Although they were incapable themselves, without guidance, of formulating a religious theory, they had been taught and trained, and had the same faith as other members of the sect. This was vouched for by a representative of the sect, which objected to taking life, but believed in respecting and obeying the laws of the country. The magistrate said the order would remain in effect until the boys reach 18 years of age.