MILITARY "PENITENTS."

Press, Volume L, Issue 14921, 20 March 1914, Page 7

MILITARY "PENITENTS."

Some instances of conscientious objectors to military training who had seen the error of their ways were brought under the notice of Mr Massey at Greymouth. It will be remembered that, at diiFerent times, a number of youths on the 'West Coast have refused to perform their military duty, and have undergone detention on Ripa Island. By reason ot this detention and refusal to do duty, the lads have sacrificed under a clause of the Defonce Act, their electoral rights as citizens. But not all cf the Ripa Island boys have persisted in the attitude which led to their being sent there. Some seven or eight, it was reported to the Prime Minister to-day, had acknowledged their error and taken the oath, and now desired X,o secure the ultimate return of their privileges as voters. The question as to whether this could be done in view of their reformation was put to the Prime Minister, who promised to have full enquiries made, and refer the matter to tho Defence Minister. Mr Massey said he rather thought the Act already made provision in the direction indicated, but, without committing himself, he took up a sympathetic attitude towards remedying tho disabilities of those who had trodden upon the thorny path, and desired to reform.