OBJECTION TO SERVICE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4592, 22 June 1917, Page 3

OBJECTION TO SERVICE.

INTERESTING NAPIER CASE,

SCHOOL TEACHER’S EXTRAOR-

DINARY VIEWS.

By Telegraph—Special Oorresp"»<ient. NAPIER, June 21. ' During the session of tlie Military Service Appeal Board yesterday ail appellant bearing the name of John Bameress Alley was called upon to support his appeal. Tlie appellant declined to he sworn on the Bible. The Magistrates then dictated a formal- declaration which appellant repeated. He then read in slow and - deliberate manner the following state- 1 meni •

Goritlemen, —I humbly beg the the right to submit tlie following statement. Hitherto I have been both a loyal and law-abiding citizen of the Dominion. lam now' ordered. by the State’ to hoar arms against my fellow man, or become subject in some manner to the military authorities, thereby being ordered to violate the laws of God and to reject the teachings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who taught His servants tho new commandment of love and peace with all men. As a Christian, X cannot recognise or obey the Military Government, so, in th© name of God, I stand, gentlemen, whatever the consequences may mean to me.

Captain Calvert asked: Are you a member of any sect P—l am a Christian. Mv mother was an Anglican ajid my father a Baptist. You have read newspapers, of course, and have seen how Belgian women were treated by Germans? Were the Belgians not justified in defending their women P—They were wrong in using arms. You really believe that?—l am a Christian and if vou were a Christian too you would understand me.

Mr Poynton (the chairman) remarked: You used the / quotation, “They who kill bv the sword shall be killed by the sword.” Who is to kill the Germans?—l’ll let God find out that. A Christian is not supposed to do it.

“It is useless going on wj,th the case. You are not exempted by the Act and your appeal is dismissed,” concluded the Chairman.

Mr Bamber asked appellant at what school he taught and what position 1$ held.

Appellant replied that he was second assistant at the Hastings North School.

“Well, this is what I have to say to you,” said Mr Bamber. “It is a disgrace to the country that a man holding such views as you do should be there teaching young children and I’ll see what can he done to have you removed.”

“I have sent in my resignation, replied appellant.