STRONG ADHESION TO PEACE.

West Coast Times, 15 June 1912, Page 1

STRONG ADHESION TO PEACE.

THE .PRINCIPLES OF; QUAKERS. CANNOT UNDERTAKE, MILITARY DUTY. 'PEB PHP6S. ASSOCIATION.—COPYBIDHT. | AUCKLAND, June 11. At the Annual Coufcrenc of the Society of Friends held in Christchurch from May 11th to May 16th, 1912, the question of compulsory military training was brought up for discussion and the attitude of the friends in New Zealand towards what is now the law of the country received very careful examination from various points of view.

When a deputation from the society waited upon the Prime Minister in Auckland in April last he asked that the representatives of the Society of Friends then present, other than the body, would make a statement salting forth what services they would be willing to render the State in lieu of compulsory training. This question was put before the, conference, and the following extract from the minutes of that meeting, has been sent to the Piame Minister in reply: “This meeting concludes that it is the duty and privilege of friends to declare their unwavering adhesion to the principles of peace as they have been held by our society for over two hundred and fifty Jems, and after careful deliberation they see no other way of consistently upholding their testimony than by declining to undertake any duty that wi’J bring them under miltary control, or tho operation of the Defence Act; nor can they define any alternative duties that, while meeting the consciences of some, may violate those of others.”