CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 August 1918, Page 5

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS.

SPURNED BY PRISONERS. Wellington, July 30. There is a type of conscientious objector which even gaol inmates spurn. This was mentioned by Sir Robert Stout (Chief Justice) in an address- on prisoners at Kaingaroa Prison Camp. He said that there are several prisoners held for breaches of the Defence Act and Military Regulations. The public conscience is evidently becoming awakened, even amongst lawbreakers, for some prisoners who were confined for ordinary crimes refused to speak to Defence military prisoners, saying they would not work with them, as they were a disgrace to the Dominion in shirking their responsibilities under tie military law. Sir Robert Stout gave credit tp the bona fides of true conscientious objectors, such as Quakers, having'history and heredity behind them, but added that there are gome not Quakers who pose as conscientious objectors, and who are but disloyal to our State. If in peril which besets the State some of her citizens do not rise and help hep to maintain her existence, they, certainly should not be allowed to; take part in the government of the community or allowed the liberty, privileges and freedom which loyal citizens possess. Fortunately there are not many such among us, but there are a few just as criminal as men who do not recognise the right of liberty and the claims of property,