CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR TEACHERS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25159, 15 April 1947, Page 8

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR TEACHERS

Sir, —It would be interesting to know how many of the eight members of the Technical School Board of Governors who voted against reinstatement of conscientious objector teachers heve children of school age. As a former serviceman I feel that returned men and parents of to-day’s children should not be afraid of free discussion on war. Our children must not go to war to defend their grandfathers’ convictions, but, if necessary, their own. There seems to be no en-> couragement to men who have experienced actual warfare to do anything but “settle down” to the civilian attitudes. . Our very valuable experience should be put to the cause of peace. This should be the chief purpose of the Returned Services’ Association, to save our children from the atom bomb. We should unite with those who are sincerely trying to outlaw war, not deny them the Atlantic Charter freedom of employment.—Yours, etc., C. W. P. CARTER. April 14, 1947.

Sir, —As an old boy of the Christchurch Technical College. 1909-1910, and a Main Body veteran, I am amazed that the Board of Governors should waste time over such a futile subject as conscientious objectors. The board would do a great deal better if it called upon the Government to remedy the gross injustices in the war pensions system. Each and every member of the board is taxed for the payment of war pensions, as indeed is the case with all our governing bodies. Quite enough time already has been wasted wailing over somebody else’s conscience. Wny not apply some real conscience where it can be effective? —Yours, etc., R. M. THOMSON. April 14, 1947.