GISBORNE HOSPITAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 48, 25 February 1918, Page 1

GISBORNE HOSPITAL.

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WELLINGTON, This "Day

The report of Commissioner Bishop, re the Gisborne Hospital management, says the medical superintendent is not at'present in euch a condition of physical health as would make his retention in office desirable. The past state of affairs in the Hospital was criticised, and a change in the administration is considered as needed."

KARIORI. TRAGEDY. WANOANUI, This Day. .' The local police have been informed that John Robinson has been arrested in connection with the Kariori tragedy.' It is alleged that he hit the deceased, Peter Larsen, on the head with a pickaxe handle.

ANTIMIEITARESTS. WELLINGTON* This Day. In a statement given to the Press, the Minister of Defence enters upon a lengthy vindication of the Department's treatment of anti-militarists. He corrects the impression that is general in the public mind that all objectors are "conscientious" objectors, and points out that the only objectors recognised by the law are "religious objectors," whose appeal will be allowed '" if they prove that on August 4th, 1914, he. was; a member of a religious body whose:, doctrines declare the bearing of arms and the performance of combatant service, contrary to Divine revelation. After explaining and justifying the treatment of objectors sent abroad, the Minister concludes: —"The question of treatment of anti-militarists presents a clear-cut issue for the people of this country to consider, (a) whether the laws solemnly and deliberately enacted, by Parliament are to be obeyed, or (b) whether defiance of the law is to be permitted ,and those persons who know no rule but their own inclinations, are to be practically exempt from military service while citizens and sons of citi- . zens, who recognise and obey the law, are to serve and possibly suffer wounds and death in the interests of the nation. The military authorities are re- _ sonsible for administering the MilitaryService Act. It is conceivable that the people of this country would approveof a course permitting persons who Set the law at defiance to be absolved from •the law and be governed by their own inclinations. If the responsible authority is to knuckle under to insubordination, the whole fabric of the British , Empire would tumble into chaos,"