HIS HAIR AND BEARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4459, 29 January 1917, Page 2

HIS HAIR AND BEARD.

THE WELLINGTON WONTFIGHT.

Buford the Military Service Board at Wellington on Friday, Frederick William Anderson appealed on tlie ground that he was a member of the Israelite House of David and was in the. service of God. He did not swear on the Bible, Init made an affirmation.

He was asked what he wished to say. He answered: I keep the First Commandment: “Thou shalt not have any other gods before Me.” It is also said: “He that take.th the -sword shall fall by the sword.” Following the Nazarene law we neither mar the corners of our lhair nor our beard. 1 wish to say that I am waiting to go to America to the ingathering of Israelites. I have gh r en up my connections with the.world and have severed all that I fee] is against my own convictions. Capt. Baldwin : How long have you been a member? Anderson: 'e don’t csl ourselves members. ;

The Chairman: How long is it since you got these convictions? Anderson: I have been followingthem for the last three months. Previous to that I held those ideas, and now I am going to follow them out. Previous to that I belonged to a religious organisation, the Christian Scientists. I may say I am a Christian Scientist healer. Capt. Baldwin: How long were you a member of the Christian Scientists? Anderson: Ten years. The Chairman: How long have you been a healer? Anderson: Three years. The Chairman: Would it be consistent with your views to do noncombatant service? Anderson: No. 'Flic Chairman: The appeal is dismissed. Anderson: What does that mean? The Chairman: That we are not going to help you to avoid military service—that you have to go to the war. Anderson: What is my next step? Capt. Baldwin: He will be notified when lie is to go to camp, and if he does not comply he will be a deserter. Anderson: Well, I state here I am not going into camp. No man is going to mar my hair and my heard. I don’t know that I will take any. further heed of your notices.