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Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4054, 10 May 1917, Page 4

In consequence of complaints by recruits who. have gone before the Medical Board that they have been asked to state their religious beliefs, Mr G. J. Anderson, M.P. for Mataura, telegraphed to. Sir James Allen (Minister for Defence) for an authoritative answer as to whether it was according, ta the regulations, and, if so, was it obligatory for the recruit to answer this question, Mr Anderson has received the following reply from the Minister: " In reply to your telegram with reference to the question of the religious profession of soldiers, on enquiry I findthat this question is asked, first, for" v^purposes of identification, and, second; '-J for the purpose of forming a basis for > the allotment of chaplains between the various religious denominations. It is • part of the Imperial medical history sheet which lias been adopted in New Zealand. If a- soldier refuses to answer this question he is ndL^ornpcHcd to do so." "r