THE RELIGIOUS OBJECTOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1916, Page 4

THE RELIGIOUS OBJECTOR.

MILITARY SERVICE EXEMPTION.

(By Wire.—Special Correspondent.)

Wellington, Last Night.

The managers appointed toy the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives to arrange a settlement of the differences between the two Chambers in regard to religious objectors reached an agreement this morning, and their proposals were adopted by both Houses this afternoon.

The House, by a substantial majority, had refused to grant exemption to either conscientious or religious objectors under the Military Service Bill, but the Council inserted the clause in the measure granting exemption to religions objectors. First the managers were unable to devise any compromise and reported to this effect to their respective Chambers, but, new managers, after a prolonged discussion, agreed to the retention of the clause inserted by the Council, with the additional provision that religious objectors seeking exemption would have to sign a declaration of their readiness to undertake non-combatant service, including service in the Army Medical Corps or the Army Service Corps, either within the Dominion or beyond.

The report wns warmly discussed by the House, but on a division being tal;en the compromise was adopted by fortyfour votes to eighteen. The Prime Minister, Minister of Railways and Mr. Craigie were managers in the second conference for the House.