CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 15 April 1944, Page 4

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

CANTERBURY COLLEGE STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE SUPPORT FOR DR. SIMPSON Christchurch, April 14. The students of Canterbury University College, at their first general meeting since the commencement of the 1944 session, passed a motion supporting Dr. Helen Simpson’s effort to have rescinded the College Council’s motion concerning the refusal to employ conscientious objectors. This affirmation of support was passed by 66 votes to 47, with some students refraining from voting. The resolution of the College Council, which was passed on 31st August, 1942, states that any person employed by the council and who refuses military service on the grounds of conscientious objection shall be granted leave without pay for the duration of the war. In September, 1942, the Students’ Association executive forwarded a pro- ; test to the College Council, and a petition for the withdrawal of the council’s resolution was signed by a large number of students and presented to the council, although the matter \toas not then reopened. In moving the resolution in support of Dr. Helen Simpson’s proposal, Mr I. L. Holmes said Canterbury was the only one of the six New Zealand colleges to pass any such motion penalising conscientious objectors, either in the last war or in this, and said that he could do no better than quote from Dr. Helen Simpson’s speech.. Miss P. Williams and Miss C. Bull, in supportinw Mr Holmes’s motion, said the motion was not to be taken as a defence of pacifism, but as a determined effort to maintain civil liberties. No case could be instanced, it was held, of a member of the staff endeavouring to promote his own private views among his students. Students were old enough to think for themselves. tc> work out their own ideas, and to take responsibility for them.