FOR CONSCIENCE SAKE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 226, 24 September 1927, Page 16

FOR CONSCIENCE SAKE.

REFUSAL TO DRILL CASE OF DIVINITY STUDFXT MINISTER OF DEFENCE INTERESTED. (By Telegraph. — Parliamentary Reporter.

WELLINGTON, Friday. "The language used by the magistrate was really the language of the gutter," declared Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Opposition in the House to-night, in taking exception to the manner in which a young Presbyterian divinity student, who had refused to render military service, had been treated when dealt with in Auckland. Mr. Holland said that the young man concerned was of high moral character, and had taken his stand by reason of his religious beliefs. The language used by the magistrate who dealt with the student should lie the subject of a resolution by both Houses of the New Zealand Parliament. Mr. Holland believed that it would be in the interests of all if this young man and those in a similar position were granted exemption. Fines amounting to £11 were outstanding against this particular student, who had won bursaries to help him complete his education for the ministry, and had maintained, himself during the period of his studies. Apparently the fines would not be paid, although the student might have means to pay them. It would be a deplorable thing if a boy like this were flung into prison simply because of his highly religious tendencies. . Mr. Lee (Auckland East) lent general j support to this protest. It was unl fortunate that there should be the type j of mind that dubbed anyone a humbug

simply because that person sincerely (liiTeretl from the prevalent ideas. Because the Minister of Defence held different political views from the speaker, the Minister did not look upon him as a humbug. Mr. Lee did not doubt that this young man held his views sincerely. He should not have been told that th<? ideal task for him was the cleaning of latrines. Such language did not do the institution credit; nor did it help make good citizens of young men. Mr. Lee also objected to the system under which the young man was denied a conscience simply because he did not belong to a religious denomination which had not formally objected to compulsory training. There was no reason why a member of the Church of England or a rationalist should not be allowed a conscience. While the law remained the magistrate had to administer it, but they could administer it with less harshness than that which characterised recent cases. Young men who were I not shirkers should not be called humbugs because they held very definite and sincere views. The Minister of Justice, the Hon. F. J. Rolleston, said it would be admitted that it was impossible lor him to control the utterances of magistrates. TUr TTnllnnrl • T raenamilie that.

Mr. Holland: i recognise mat. The Minister-. I have sent to Auckland eo that inquiries may be made, and I am informed 1 that the young man had applied for exemption. , ' ■ "' Mr. Holland: I hope that the magistrate- who dealt with the case will not hear the application for exemption. The - - Minister said he could not make any statement regarding the case "till inquries had been completed.