PROTESTANT POLITICAL ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 61, 5 December 1917, Page 5

PROTESTANT POLITICAL ASSOCIATION

DOMINION EXECUTIVE RESOLUTIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Timaru, December 4,

< At a meeting of the Dominion Executive of the Protestant Political Association, which was attended by representatives of all districts, the following resolutions were carried:—"That the executive, having heard the statement of the national lecturer, Mr. Elliott, endorses liis action in refraining from giving evidence in the recent Court proceedings, thereby defeating the strategy of the Church of Rome, and serving the best interests of the Protestant Political Association. The executive considers it highly undesirable that public attention should bo diverted from tho necessity of the political organisations of Protestants by matters of minor importance at tho present juncture, and therefore it approves tho advice of Mr. Elliott's counsel and the Auckland Advisory Committee to refrain from giving evidence on such matters, and expressing its confidence in Mr. Elliott. Further, that an emphatic denial be given tho suggestion that the association has attacked either the religious practices or the morals of Catholics. The political menace of organised Romanism is the ground of appeal to every Protestant to take sides, and secure the national system of education, the impartial administration of laws (particularly the Military Service Act), the equitable apportioning of employment in the Civil Service, the right of a free Press, and tho preservation of liberty of speech, the integrity of the Empire, and loyalty to the throno of Great Britain."

RESOLUTIONS OF INVEROARGILL GATHERING. Inveroargill; December 4. Tho largo theatre at Inveroargill was unable to hold the crowd assembled to hear the Rev. Howard Elliott, national lecturer for tho Protestant Political Association. Tho Icctiircr received a magnificent hearing, being cheered to tho echo. The following resolutions wero carried without a dissentient voice:—"That this meeting, having heard the statement of tho Rev. Howard Elliott respecting nis action in tho recent assault case, expresses confidence in him as their lecturer, and pledges itself to further the interests of tho Protestant Political Association." "That this meeting of Protestants of Inveroargill expresses its satisfaction that the attempt to secure legislative exemption from military service of tho priests and Marist Brothers was defeated by tho Legislative Council. AVe extend our appreciation of their action in resolutely refusing to sanction such an unjustifiable exemption, and call upon the Government to impartially administer that Act, which was designed and passed to secure equality of service and sacrifice from all sections of the community. This meeting emphatically declares that any_ attempt to do by regulation what legislation has donied will bo strongly resented."