OPPOSED TO WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22194, 22 August 1935, Page 12

OPPOSED TO WAR

PACIFIST STUDENTS CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS KNOX CHURCH SUPPORT [by telecrapu—OWN correspondent] DUNEDIN. Wednesday Tho congregation of Knox Church was taken by surprise at the annual meeting to-night when it found itself faced with a resolution promising support to those of its members who became conscientious objectors to any future war in which New Zealand may becomo involved. The resolution was carried, with only two dissentient votes. Tho business of the meeting had been concluded and the congregation had risen to its feet preparatory to the minister, the Rev. D. C. Herron, pronouncing tho Benediction, when the resolution bearing on war service was introduced. The mover was Mr. Angus Ross, of Knox College, holder of the Ross Fellowship for historical research, who chose this dramatic moment to say: "In view of the strained position of world affairs. 1 think it WQiild be as well if we passed such a motion as this: 'That, in the event of tho outbreak of a war in which New Zealand is involved, this meeting commends to the moral support oi the congregation those members vrho declare themselves to be conscientious objectors on religious grounds." Ihere is no need to go over tho possibilities of war," Mr. Ross continued. "The Church has made a definite break with the tradition of tho past. It no longer upholds the view ' m.v count rj, right or wrong.' When Christ came a* Prince of Peace we did not expect that we should use the weapons of present-day warfare to achieve our end. I therefore move this resolution." Chairman Surprised Mr. Herron (obviously taken by surprise) : I am quite euro we will all agree to this. Mr N. Dixon, a student at Knox College, said:—l wish to second the motion. We, who have conscientiously decided before God that we cannot partake in this thing, ask for the support that is given in any matter of policy of the Church—liberty of conscience. It was denied in the last war, and we ask yon to give us your moral support this time. Mr. Herron: I take it that we are unanimously agreed to this. Mr. E. R. Smith: No. Mr. Herron then explained that in Auckland after the war, when some young men on the grounds of conscience refused to take part in military training, the Presbytery, although not agreeing with them in their view, hail supported them in their stand, because it was taken on the ground of their convictions. Mr Herron then put tin l motion, which was carried with but two dissenting voices, that of Mr. Smith and another. " Christian Pacifist " Group Inquiries made later to-night produced nn assertion that about '2O per cent of the students at Otago University could be regarded as supporting tho pacifist viewpoint and that this number was growing steadily. leaders of the Student Christian Movement said that fully 50 per cent of their number subscribed to pacifist principles. It was further learned that at Knox College a group had been formed, the members of which describe themselves as "Christian pacifists." This croup numbers 15 and each member of it has already written to the Minister of Defence, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe. stating his refusal to undertake military service in any capacity whatever. In each case the Minister had replied that tho letters had been filed for reference It is stated that the travelling secretary of the movement is at presen* visiting the other university college* with a view to extending the move mont and urging that a similar course of action be adopted throughout the student body in the University of New Zealand.