MILITARY TRAINING.
A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR.
COURT REFUSES EXEMPTION.
AUCKLAND, May 3. Exemption from military training on religious grounds was refused to J. M. M'Dougall, a youth studying for the Presbyterian ministry, in the Police Court today. In a letter to the court, M'Dougall said: “ I am a student for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church, and I am a conscientious believer in the teaching and example of Christ, I cannot take part in war or assist in any way to destroy the lives of my fellow-men, hence I am unable to take part in any preparation for war. I am in the 34th Cadet Company.” Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M.: Well, we thrashed all this out a week or so ago. Physical drill is practically all this cadet is asked to do.”
The representative of the Defence Department said; He will be a cadet for another year.
Turning to the defendant, the Magistrate asked: What are you going to do about it ?
M'Dougall: I refuse to drill, I refuse to parade, I refuse to do anything connected with war or defence. The Magistrate (smiling): Well, you just tell that to the Sergeant-major on the parade ground, and if he is the sort of sergeant-major I think he is, he will endeavour to teach you differently. All you have to do is physical jerks. It is good for you.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19280508.2.142
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 3869, 8 May 1928, Page 27
Word Count
228MILITARY TRAINING. Otago Witness, Issue 3869, 8 May 1928, Page 27
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