OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 March 1930, Page 7

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

AN INCONSISTENCY (By Telegraph—Press Association) MASTERTON, 29th March. An inconsistency in the matter of taking the oath of allegiance and subsequently being granted exemption from military training were pointed out in tho Magistrate's Court yesterday when two lads applied for exemption on the grounds of religious belief. No opposition was made by the Defence Department. It was stated on behalf of the applicants that there was no objection to the first clause in the-oath regarding loyalty to His Majesty the King, but it seemed inconsistent to then swear "that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand military forces according to my liability under the Defence Act," and that "I will observe and obey all orders of the generals and officers set over me until I am lawfully discharged." Captain Sugden, who appeared for the De'fence Department, said that no objection wns raised to the application, but explained that all _ boys had to register before application could be made. This necessitated signing ' the oath, although later they might be exempted from carrying it out. The Magistrate (Mr J. Miller) decided to strike out the clauses concerned and granted the application.