ANTI-MILITANT MINISTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 203, 26 August 1911, Page 9

ANTI-MILITANT MINISTERS.

OPINION IN AUCKLAND. Two leading Auckland ministers were approached by a "Yytar" reporter this morning with regard to the recent action of the Christehurch Ministers' Association in passing a resolution condemning the compulsory clauses of the Defence Act, and pledging itself to work for their repeal The Rev. I. Jolly, of St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, said he heartily approved of the course taken by the Auckland Ministers' Association last •week, when a deputation from the Peace Society waited oa them in regard to this very matter. It was then resolved to leave all expression of opinion to individual ministers, the Association very rightly deciding that the question was a purely political one, upon which it was neither advisable nor necessary that a vote should 'be taken. As a, matter of fact an unofficial ballot showed that the majority were in favour of compulsory training for defence, and he did not believe that it would tend in any way to encourage militarism. It was absolutely necessary for the

proper defence of this country, and at the same,,time conferred obvious benefits upon its youth, who would benefit physically and morally by being brought under military discipline. This view, he believed, was that of the great majority of Presbyterian ministers. The Kev. Knowles Kempton, of the Baptist Tabernacle, said he agreed tn the view that the matter was one to be left to individual opinion. He was glad to hear that the Canterbury ministers' action had 'been initiated 'by such a small number, for he did not believe that their view was generally shared by ministers elsewhere. He was convinced that a majority in favour of the repeal of the Defence Act could not be obtained from the Auckland Association. So far as ho personally was concerned, his views went in favour of compulsory training. With many others, he hated war, but as long as New Zealand remained a part of the Empire she would need an army for defence against aggression. There were ministers, he knew, who took another attitude, and it would serve no pood purpose if any association of ministers resolved on action in the matter when many of their brethren dissented. WAIROA HARBOUR IMPROVEMENTS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WAIROA (Hawke's Bay), this day. The Harbour Board, having obtained a loan of £78,000, has decided to caß tenders at once for harbour improvement works under the supervision: of Mr. Leslie Reynolds, CJS. MISGELLANBOTJa GISBORNE, this day. The body of a native found in the bush at Port Awanui district is believed to be that of Tangaere, who wandered from ins home three months- ago when ill