NATIONAL SERVICE

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 February 1917, Page 2

NATIONAL SERVICE

exemption of olergy-

MEN.

AI.LEdED PREFBUKSCE.

[N.Z. PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHinSTCIintCH, February 26

A deputation i*-pves£intiag the Min. ii'teir.’ Aiiiociation waited upon the Hon. G. W. Russell «>n the of vxnieption;? from military service, the deputation did not a,'lt tor the exemption of ministers and school teacher;, but for complete,equality in the matter of the clergy and teachers.. It war alleged that the Roman Catholic Church was receiving consideration hi the matter of exemptions for her clergy, and in the interests of the public peace, and that of the common g„od, an understanding was much do. sired. The deputation wished that there should be equal treatment for all.

Hon. G. W. Russell cited sections of the Act- under which the- Catholic Church had acted, and which were open to all denominations. He could not give a specific answer to the assertion that there was a secret understanding between the Government aind the Catholic Church. CONSCRIPTION OF THE CLERGY, . OPPOSED BY SIR JOHN FINDLAY. [BY TELIT,OUAPII—SPECIAL TO "STAR.'’] HASTINGS, This Day. * Sir John Findlay, hi opening his. campaign, said: -We want social solidarity■■ not strife. The conscription of tbe clergy will produce serious trouble. The clergy’s work was as serviceable to the State as if they were forced into the trendies to spill human blood. When we find clergy fortified and sanctified by the canons of the* Church and their sacred convictions standing firmly by them, let ns pause on fair and honest grounds. Religious consolations despised by some are djar to many and most sought now. Therefore, the clergy are most* necessary at home. We should resist every force raised againstathem. . ,To th. 6 question, “Will the 'candidate pledge, himself that, if elected, lie will use every endeavour to secure the exemption of the clergy and students?” Sir . John Findlay ■ replied: _“Mw answer [is nn ; unequivocal Yes.

BRITISH GOVERNMENT INTERVENES. CLERGY MUST BE EXEMPTED, .. [BY ..TELEGRAPH— SrS3IAX. J TO “STAR.''] . WELLINGTON, This Day. ;Regarding the conscription of the clergy it is° umleistpoti that .the authorities in New Zealand comnnmicatedwith Cardinal Bourne! and Bishop Cleary, and that ftlie -Imperial - aiftliorvtieg' have cabled instructions to'! tjie Dominion Governmant that in /no case ’-muEtltho clergy be; tonscripted. . - • - • Full verification for the rumor, is at pre- ■ sent nnObtallidble, ■ though 'it »is- ! generally. - accepted as, correct. . " ■ ■ ■ , V FREEING CLERGYMEN FOR WAR WORK. ENGLISH CHURCHES CLOSED. LONDON, February. 24. ... Tire Bifihpp o bf London' is closing the Londcin; Churches except; eight, ~ :a a; •;«©; to free clergy chaplains for national service. . ■'