New Zealand News.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 January 1918, Page 7

New Zealand News.

A DETERMINED RELIGIOUS

OBJECTOR

ESCAPES FROM CUSTODY A SECOND TIME.

BUT IS RECAPTURED.

TAUMARUNUI, January 12

Arthur Johns, a religious objector, who escaped from prison at RotbaTra, and was recaptured on Thursday at Eaurimu, made a second escape last evening, when his gaoler was drivin°the prisoner in the prison trap from Waimarina Station. He had to get out to open the gates. Johns saw has opportunity for escape, grabbed tSTreins and drove for three miles, and escaped to the bush. The prisoner was again captured last night, and was brought to Taumarunui to-day for trial before Justices, when he was sentenced to a further twelve months' imprisonment in Mount Eden Gaol. The prisoner who was formerly sentenced to two years, made a statement in Court that he was always prepared to do noncombatant work here or in France but not under military control. He was afraid that under military control he might be called upon to carry ammunition to kill people and the Bible said: "Thou shalt not kill."