NATIONAL SERVICE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1275, 14 March 1918, Page 4

NATIONAL SERVICE.

THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR. The position of the conscientious ob* jector under the Military Service Act was discussed by the council of the Congregational Union in Christclmroh, yesterday, and the following motioni were passed:— "That this council of the Congrega> tional Union of New Zealand, having considered the motions submitted by the Christchurch deltgates to the coun* eiL resolves as follows: (1) That this terrible war waf forced upon a reluctant world by Ger* many in pursuance of its lust for world dominate. (2) That our Empire entered the war and remains in the war in defence of the principles of liberty and justice and for the protection of the rights of the -smaller nations ('.i) That in this great struggle for the maintenance of Christian principles, it is the duty of every citizen to render the best and fullest service to the nation of which he or she is capable. (4) That the present test of con* science be replaced by evidence as to the appellant's character and the genuineness of his claims. (5) That all honest conscientious objectors be offered national service of a non-military character. (6) That even* punishment for breathes of the law or for attempted defiance of the law should be reason* able in character, and should be in* flicted within the bounds of New Zea* land. (7) That copies of the foregoing resolutions be sent to the Prime Min* ister, Minister of Finance, Minister of Defence, and the Press."