MILITARY TRAINING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 148, 15 August 1911, Page 5

MILITARY TRAINING.

BOYS FAIL TO REGISTER. (Per Press Association.! Auckland, August 14. “As their father. I oliject, on religious grounds,” stated a man in artisan’s attire at the Police Court to-day, when ids two sons, Allen Pency Batten and Louis Beer Batten, appeared on a charge of failing to register under the Defence Act for military training. In vain the Bench enlargcd on the physical and mental benefits of military discipline and training, and explained that the Defence Department had provided means to meet religious scruples by such arms to the forces as ambulance .corps. 1 1 thank you for trying to deal leniently with me,” said the father, who is a Christadelphian. “I have no ohiaciions to my sons being made men of, and I don’t want them to bo thought cowards. I don’t wish in any way to defy the law; but I see another power, and it is that power my Iveys and 1 servo. It is purely on religious grounds, as followers of Christ, I don’t wish them to take rip arms, in defence in any way, or to ho bound by tlie law to do so. I know when a fine is imposed it means imprisonment, because I am not in a position to pay ; but I am prepared to accept my burden.” The Sub-Inspector offered to withdraw the charges if tlie boys would register on the understanding that they would bo posted to an ambulance corps.

The Bench added: “I think you can’t say Christ would be against ambulance work.”

“No, sir; I think ho would not,” replied the father, v/flo thereupon put the offer to his cons. They stated their willingness to register under those conditions, and the Sub-Inspec-tor thereupon asked and was given permission to withdraw the informations, in order that the accused might be saved the expense of a fine and costs.