"THE CONCHIES."

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18574, 29 November 1920, Page 6

"THE CONCHIES."

ATTITUDE OF THE R.&A. QUESTION OF CIVIL RIGHTS. The question of the treatment of conscientious objectors was considered at the meeting of the Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association at Wellington on Saturday, states the " Post." In connection with the Prime Minister's announpement that no more military- prosecutions of defaulters would take place, it was stated that there are 2000 shirkers still at large in New Zealand. ;-'■■:-., Mr J. D. Harpe» (Wellington) stated that, while he strongly opposed withdrawing punishment from those objectors —he would not call them conscientious objectors—he held they should most jealously guard against the disqualification of civil and political rights being lifted. -it _ —'■-. Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, M-P- (Westland) agreed that they Bhould watch the matter, as it waa certain that representations to restore snch rights would be made to the Government The President. (Dr E. Boxer): The Prime Minister means that the 2000 remaining obiectors will be deprived of their crriT right*. •Mr Seddon said there would be civil prosecutions. _ „ . Mr W. E. Leadley (Chrfstchureh)» That means nothinff. Mr Seddon remarked that many or them were now apt to forget and forgive, but it did not do to let things slide. He thought they would find that another move would be made down on the West Coast, headed by Mr Webb and others similarly situated. Mr Leadley did not think that any good purpose would be served by pro* testing any more against the with* drawal of prosecutions. He was beginning to be of the same opinion as General Russell, when he told them frankly that these fellows were not worth powder and shot. Hethoughij they should concentrate on seeing that the civil rights of these men were not restored. He moved in that direction. The President: That is the danger. We da not want to see these men back in any political power. The motion was carried.