THE DEFENCE ACT

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10573, 2 March 1912, Page 5

THE DEFENCE ACT

A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR, ', The first case in the Wairarapa under the Defence Act was heard in the Magistrate's Court at Masterton yesterday, when a young man named I Henry Hector Williams was charged j on the information of Captain G. W. Braddell with refusing to take the oath of allegiance. The defendant, who was not represented by counsel, pleaded guilty. "The Magistrate: "Sre you prepared to take "the oath?"' "%. Defendant: "No; I am not." His Worship: "What are your reasons?" [ Defendant (handing Mr Reid a | sheet of paper): "They are written, on I this." | His Worship: "Well, read them out." ' ! Defendant: "They are written! there" (pointing to the paper.) His Worship: "You've got a tongue in your head. I cannot take • any written statement.' Tell, me what are your reasons for "not taking the oath." ) ■ Defendant: "I refuse to do so." j His Worship: "Very well. . You j are fined 40s and costs. Furthermore, you must kn<>w that yoti cannot defy the law, and will be fined every time you come up." Defendant (bowing) :' "Thank you." The paper handed 'to Mr Reid contained a statement .-to the effect that defendant objected to taking the oath on religious and .conscientious grounds.