MILITARY SERVICE

Grey River Argus, Volume 07, 7 June 1919, Page 3

MILITARY SERVICE

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS. DISCUSSION AT PATRIOTIC MEETING. At yesterday's meeting of the Grey Patriotic Association, Mr Wickes drew attention to a paragraph which appeared in the Press to the effect that the Labour Party purposed tendering receptions to the conscientious objectors on their release from gaol; and also that it was their intention to give Mr P. D. Webb a welcome, similar to that extended to him an his last release from prison. The speaker thought that something should be done to prevent this.i He was not aware as to whether the Grey Borough, oi the County Council or other local body should move in the matter. He was of opinion that the Government had power under the War Regulations, to prohibit tne proposed receptions, and thought that their attentioui should be tirawn to it. Mr Mackenzie endorsed the previous speakers' remarks, and said ne thought tliut a .resolution should be . forwarded to the Goveijiment to proJiibit the reception. "They" (meum-j iug the conscientious objectors) "are a lot of skunks and rotters," continued Mr Mackenzie. "There might be. wae or two sincere conscientious odjectors amongst them, but the majority of tliem were nothing ' but markers and cowards." 'Jhe town was in enough disrepute already, without allowing this thing to take place. Mr Ulaekwood stated that the report was misleading. As far as he. understood, a public meeting was with the sanction of the Mayor, but in this case Mr Lynch disclaimed any connection with it. He thought that people wi other, parts would be of opinion that the meeting, being a public one. was under the sanction of the civil authorities. , „ • Mr Ten/aent thought that the Mayor of the town should disallwo anything in the way of a public demonstration. He had no objection to genuine conscientious objectors, but the majority of those were troubled with cold feet. The Mayor was of opinion that the Labour Party should be allowed to receive their people in their own way. He had no knowledge whatever of the proposed reception, but he thought thai no power was vested take action in preventing tne aemon "ration. They, of course, disclaimed any connection with it. Mr Kettle thought. that the. Labour Party were entitled to receive their people in their oo n way. but that no public bodies should be represented or take part. Mr Wickes then moved that the attention of the Government be drawn to the proposed demonstration by the New Zeaalud Labour Party, as reported in the Press, pointing out that there was a likelihood of trouble arising if such were permitted, a.nd asking, what steps could be taken to prevent Seconded by Mr MacKenssie and carried.