DEFENCE ACT AND THE BIBLE

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 192, 14 August 1911, Page 6

DEFENCE ACT AND THE BIBLE

CHRISTADELFHXAN'S PROBLEM SOLVED IN POLICE COURT. "As their father, I object on religious grounds, - ' stated a man in artisan's attire at the Police Court this morning, whsn his two sons, Allen Percy Batten and Louis Beer Batten, appeared on a charge of failing to register under the Defence Act for military training. In vain SubInspector Hcndrey and the Bench ?n----larged on the physical and mental benefits of military discipline and training, and explained that a kindly Defence Department had provided means to meet religious scruples by such arms to the forces as ambulance corps. "I thank you for trying to deal leniently with me," said the Christadelphi in father sadly. "I have no objection to my sons being made men of and I don't want them to be thought cowards. I don't wish in any way to defy the law, but I sec another power, and it is that power my boys and I serve. It is purely on religious grounds. As followers of Christ. I don't wish them to take tip arms in defence in any way. or to be bound by the law to do so. I know when a fine is imposed il means imprisonment, because I am not in a position to pay, but I am prepared to accept my burden." Asked by Sub-Inspector Hendrey if he were aware that Mr. Taylor, a prominent member of his religions persuasion, had allowed his son to register on the understanding that he was posted to an ambulance corps, Mr. Batten said he was. He added that Mr. Taylor had, however, deplored the fact among his own Church people.

The Sub-Inspector offered to withdraw the charges if the boys would register on the understanding that they would b? posted to an ambulance corps. The Bench added: "I think you can*t say Christ would be against ambulance work." "No, sir. I think he would not," replied the father, who thereupon put the offer to his hopefuls. But the two young Christadelphian sons emphatically decided to be martyrs, and the Bench regretfully ordered a fine of £1 each and costs. Some minutes later in the Court proceedings the case was mentioned agsin by the Sub-Inspector, who announced that as the result of a conference with Oapt. Hawkins, the boys, who appeared to have misunderstood the position, had stated their willingness now to register. Capt. Hawkins stated that the position was that when persons with religions | scruples against militarism had compli»d jWith the Act by registering, the matter was put before the Department for reconsideration with regard to their being posted. Tf a person, on registering, stated his religious scruples, the fact was sent forward to headquarters, and, having complied with the law, he would not be posted on account of his religious objeci tions. Tho Bench agreed to re-hear the case, j and the Sub-Inspector asked and was i given permission to withdraw the informations in order that tho accused might be saved the expense of fine and costs.