RELIGIOUS OBJECTORS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 136, 12 June 1916, Page 4

RELIGIOUS OBJECTORS.

— + SOME STRONG IMPRESSIONS. A few members of the House showed in the third reading debate ou the Military Service Bill that they are concerned about the prospective martyrdom of religious objectors refuse military service. Ms Isitt declared thi s the cue great blot on the bill. He would never cease to attempt to remove the non-recognition of the religious objector. Mr. Russell: It’s a good job there are not very many of them.

Mr. Isitt: That’s just the mental and moral standard of the man who uttered it. The speaker added that he could not adequately express the indignation he felt at the estimates expressed by some members of the noblest and most estimable and moral men in the community. Addressing himself to the labour arguments against the bill Mr. Isitt said that traditen never won a battle. Sentiment disappeared when the Hun was at the throat of the Empire. Mr. Russell: Also the religious objector. Mr. Isitt: The man who watched their interests hcr e is prepared to do what the Minister for Internal Affairs and I are not willing to do, pay the balance between his present income and the ordinary soldier’s pay to the State while the Avar lasts. Is he on the level of the fellow who will not fight because he is afraid. “I am the son of a Quakeress,” declared Mr. 'Wilfcrd. “I have uncles, aunts, and cousins avlio are Quakers, and Avith one exception all their children have gone to the Avar. None have hestitated —every man of the Quaker families I come from all want their sons to go to the Avar. I say,” added the Member for Hutt, “that to accept money from religious objectors in place of services Avould be the most damnable doctrine for any country to preach at the present time. (Hear, hear).

“I know a man who since this bill has been introduced has found religion and found it had’v.” said Br. Newman. “He does net want -‘o go to the war, and it is for like him we want this bill. Deenlv religious people in England France have gone to the war. and it will not do to allow a man to escape under the cloak of religion} ‘ I fiope the tribunals will do their duty and assist these so-called religious men to go to the front.” (Hear, hear) 7 ' 1 * 7 Mr. Poole recorded his reoog’riitiOn cf .the, splendid efforts of the Quakers in humanitarian work. If, the Act failed to meet their case there would be a system of martyrdom for vjhich we would be sorry. He saw difficulties of leakages, but hoped .the Government would do no injustice to a worthy class, ,