CLERGYMEN ON THE DEFENCE ACT.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1212, 22 August 1911, Page 6

CLERGYMEN ON THE DEFENCE ACT.

FEAXKLY HOSTILE. (By Telegraph— Press Association.) Christchurc'n, August .21. At a meeting of tho Christchurch Ministers' Association', held last week,_ a deputation was received from the National Peace and Anti-Militarist Council of Neiv Zealand. The objects of the council were brielly laid before the ministers by the deputation, who expressed alarm at the action of the Government in framing a law that camo between the parent and the child, and made criminals of boys who luul committed no crime, and was likely to undermine the moral well-being of the family. Special stress was laid upon the inadequacy of the exemption clause of the Act, and referetve was made to the inconsistency and inharmony of the military spirit with the teachings of Christ. In answer to questions the deputation stated that the immediate object of the council was to agitate for the repeal of tho compulsory clauses, and that its aims were law-abiding and peaceful. After the deputation withdrew, tiio matter was discussed by the ministers, and a. resolution was carried unanimously protesting against the compulsory clauses of the Act, and pledging themselves to work ill the interests of their repeal.