RIGHTS OF OBJECTORS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 705, 3 July 1929, Page 7

RIGHTS OF OBJECTORS

LEGAL ADVICE WANTED REQUESTS TO MINISTER Press Association DUNEDLV, Tuesday. The withdrawal of all civil rights for 10 years from A. Miller and A :% Richards, the two Auckland students for the Presbyterian ministry who have refused military training on the ground of conscience, has received full consideration by the Public Questions Committee of the Presbyterian General Assembly, which has obtained legal advice and passed the following resolutions voicing the Church's claim that its members have the right to exercise their individual conscience. urging applicants to accept non-military seru ice, and expressing the opinion that the penalties imposed were unduly severe. It was decided that the Minister of Justice be requested to receive a deputation representing the Church with a view to the following: ta) Ascertaining whether it was within the province of the magistrate to offer alternative service without reference to the authority of the GovernorGeneral in Council, as laid down in the Act (b) Requesting that the sentences be remitted in whole or in part, (c) That the proceedings to imprison Miller and Richards for nonpayment of fines be stayed pending the interview with the Minister. ul) That an endeavour be made to settle the difficulties which have grown up in connection with the rights of conscience in the matter of i lilitary training. when such rights are claimed in good faith, on the testimony of trustworthy witnesses, by members of the Presbyterian Church.