CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 759, 4 September 1929, Page 6

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

DISCUSSION IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ALTERNATIVE SERVICE Press Association WELLINGTON, Tuesday. A short discussion on military training took place in the Legislative Council today. Sir James Allen moved: “That in the opinion of the Council, in view of the agitation for exemption from military service and training on account of conscientious objections, and as the law makes provision for objectors only on account or religious beliefs, the Government should take into consideration the present position of the law and determine whether an amendment of the law is necessary to include conscientious objectors; and, further, that, in dealing with the question of alternative service, consideration should be given to training for aid, ambulance and stretcherbearer work.” Sir James Allen contended that I conscientious objectors could not j rightly object to a military training ! syllabus consisting of instruction calculated to train territorials to be good citizens. Certain exemptions were being allowed on account of conscience, and he thought this would make it difficult for the Government to make provision for alternative service. There were those who sought to come within the pillars of the church as clergymen refusing to do I their military or alternative service. I If they refused to do service as pastors in camps or in the field they were not the type of men who were going to serve the best interests of the Dominion. The Hon. W. Earnshaw contended the only exemption from military service should be on the ground of military unfitness. Sir Thomas Mackenzie also supported the motion, arguing that parsons and priests should be leaders in a movement of defence. The Leader of the Council, the Hon. T. K. Sidey, said alternative forms of service were at present being considered by the Government, which would welcome helpful suggestions. The motion was carried.