DEFENCE ACT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 91, 20 April 1914, Page 5

DEFENCE ACT.

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS,

STIGMATISED AS FRAU3>S

[Press Association.]

HAMILTON, A#ril 18. . Tfe- Hamilton Borough Council exipresS&d surprise last night that such a 'circular as that asking for -advice f«»m local bodies in regard too the employment of conscientious objectors shcvuld be sent out by the Minister i'or Defence.

The M&yor said ttet if loopholes were msse in this direction then "the whole compulsory scheme would be rendered useless. One member referred ;to conscientious 'objectors, as "frauds," and said thajfc they might as wejrl go back to 'the voluntary system ii wholesale exemptions were to be granted.

A resolution wsas . passed that t3ie Council strongly -objected to 'finding wtfrk for those who conscientiously 'objjeet .to military training, and hopes •the Government will maintain the ; defence system as at present ■estab- - wished.