ALLEGED CRUELTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 June 1918, Page 4

ALLEGED CRUELTY.

TO CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. A deputation from „the Women's International League waited on Sir James Allen this afternoon and, objected to the treatment alleged to have been meted out to conscientious objectors in Wanganui, and demanded a full public inquiry and that the men concerned 'bo represented by counsel. (Reference was also made to the deportation of conscientious Objeetorß from New Zealand. A member of the deputation read a letter from a soldier at Home to the effect that the crucifixion method of punishment ftas. still practised, -though it had long: been abolished in ■ the New Zealand forces. ■ Sir James Allen said he was pleased to have the testimony of soldiers that this mode of punishment did not exißt is- the New Zealand Army. The description given to it was a misnomer and made a wrong impression among tfye pablie. He hid aslced the Defence autijprit|t§i;at Home to supply a report concerning any men in prison who were not allowed to write to their , parents. He knew of no such case. He had looked into cases of conscientious objectors, and he believed 60 or 70 per cent, of the defiant Shirkers were trying to evade duty. There jjjfere avenues of usefulness, such as ambulance, for conscientious objectors to enter.

THE WANGA'MJI INQUIRY. Dunedin, Last Night. A deputation, from the Labor Council waited upon Sir James Allen to-day with reference to the alleged treatment of conseientioug objectors at Wanganui. Tlio deputation asked for on open inquiry concerning conscientious objectors imprisoned in Wanganui,, and that the men concerned have the right of representation by counsel without"restrictions in the way of calling witnesses.

Sir Jaines Allen said the Government proposed to appoint a magistrate to hold the fullest investigation- He could not see how the course of justice wou!> be helped toy a puhlic inquiry, and he could not see his way no alter his opinion on that point. The question of representation >by counsel would be referred to the magistrate holding the inquiry, and if counsel ,was considered desirable the matter could be arranged. If the officers of the Department had behaved improperly, they would be punished. The Minister assured the deputation that there was no. danger of victimisation.