CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11443, 24 January 1918, Page 4

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS.

Per Press Association. Wellington, Jan. 23. -Replying to a question as to the treatment of conscientious objectors, the Minister for Defence said: “There were fourteen men who were sent home like all other troops are sent. “ Tins is a summary of the position with regard to these fourteen so-called conscientious objectors; Men alleging religious objections, C; men alleging hardship or public interest, 5; men who did not appeal at all, 4. In the case of one objector, whose esse has been bronght specially under my notice, the man did not appeal on account of conscientious or religious objections. He appealed on account of public interest and hardship, and his appeal was dismissed. The men who were sent home absolutely refused to obey orders during the voyage. On arrival in England they were dealt with exactly as are other soldiers. The report I received from General Richardson was to the effect that they did not belong to a religious sect which objects to their bearing arms. They were not privileged to receive special consideration. They were medically fit, and capjble of undergoing training. The latest information is that all the conscientious objectors sent to England, except two, have agreed to do their duty, either in the infantry or as stret-cher-bearers. In addition to the two conscientious o_bjectors just mentioned, there were three others who have been treated like any other soldiers, and have had to be tried by courtmartial in France on a charge of disobedience of orders. The .court found them guilty, and condemned them to five years’ penal servitude. General Gojley, however, commuted the sentence to two years with hard labour.