Vital Declaration.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 43, 5 January 1912, Page 11

Vital Declaration.

WHEREAS THE DEFENCE ACT, 1909, AND ITS AMENDMENT, l!) 10: 1. Introduces into •'u'a Dominion tlie principle of conscription (i.e., compulsory enrolment, for military sprvico), which lias proved uu> curse of Europe; 2. Introduo'3 military law and courts-martial in tiino of peace---courta so constituted as to be directly opposed to tho spirit and substance of common law and to Ihe spirit and substance of tho British Constitution; from whic'i courts there 13 i:o appeal; 3. Violates freedom of conscience in basing the claim for exempt ion on doctrinal and not conscientious grounds; 4. Ignores parent nl authority and makes criminals of children and young men who have done no wrong. (!''or tlie offence of the penalty is life-long. 3t includes tho loss of political rights ;iiv| of all hope <i omploynipnt in any Government department, and is e\p;a'-e.-i Ijy neither line nor iuiprisotnnent' : ■). AVhile prof"ssiir.; to provide foi the defence of t'ns C'luntry, in\'ites members of the Territorial Force.(youths in some cases only IS years of age) to vnlui'.'eer. in lime of peace, to serve abroad at any time during a stated period and on acceptance of their offer give-, ill" Governor power to order them on foreign service- thus possibly forcing v man to participate in a war which b:s conscience condemns, as a result ol a promise rashly made in immature youth; 6. Will certainly increase tho burden ;>f taxation until it becomes, as it is in luirope, intolerable. (As a matter of fact, the Defence vote, is already approximating the vote for Education); 7. Will have the effect of implanting and cultivating the war spirit in the minds of our youth ; 5. Is antagonistic to tho growing peace spirit of the age, which is making for the recognition of the brotherhood of man ; 9. Will inevitably tend to a demand for an increased term of military service and for residence in barracks or Cfunps, ivhich must hay has been universally proved—-a demoralising effect upon'the. nation ; 10. Will cause serious interference with the youths' opportunities for technical and higher education ; 11. Confers powers upon tho military authorities which are absolutely destructive, of all democratic institutions and civic freedom ; 12. Necessitates the presence in Wei liugton of a large number of Imperial and colonial military officers, who will be in a position to bring influence to bear upon our legislators and cause a continual dennurrl (or an increase ol armaments ; 13. Allows the permanent force to be used in industrial disputes; THE I'WiPliM 01 MCW ZKALANU •\K V\li',Vi) TO DEMAND ITS IMMEDIATK UHS'IiAL.