BOYS FAIL TO REGISTER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 45, 15 August 1911, Page 5

BOYS FAIL TO REGISTER

A COMPROMISE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. "As their father, I object, on religious grounds," stated a man in artisan's attire at the Police Court to-day, when his two sons, Allen Pencv Batten and Louis Beer Batten, appeared on a charge of failing to register under the Defence Act, for military training. In vain the Bench enlarged on the physical and mental benefits of military discipline and training, and explained that the Defence Department had provided means to meet religious scruples by such arms to the forces as ambulance corps. "I thank you for trying to deal leniently with me," said the father, who is a Christadelpluan. "I have no objections to my sons being made men of, and I don't want them to be thought cowards. I don't wish in any way to defy the law; but I see another power, and it is that power my boys and I serve. It is purely on religious grounds, as followers of Christ, I don't wish them to take up arms, in defence in any way, or to be bound by the law to do so. I know when a fine is imposed it means imprisonment, because I am not in a, position to pay; but T am prepared to accept my burden."

Tho Sub-Inspector offered to withdraw the charges if the boys would register on the understanding that they would be posted to an. ambulance corps.

Tho Bench added: "I think you can't say Christ, would be against ambulance work."

"No, sir; T think he would not," replied the father, who thereupon put the offer to his sons. They stated their willingness to register under theso conditions, and the Sub-Inspector thereupon asked and was given permission to withdraw the informations, in order that the accused might be saved the expense of a fine and costs.