“I WON’T GO TO CAMP!”

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15133, 30 January 1917, Page 6

“I WON’T GO TO CAMP!”

A RELIGIOUS OBJECTOR. THE ISRAELITE HdUSE OF DAVID. “ won’t go into camp, and no man will make me do anything against my convictions,” stated Frederick William Anderson to the Third Military Service Board at Wellington on Friday. Anderson was recently called up under the ballot., and apealed against going into camp on the ground of conscientious religious objections. He said he was a member of the Israelite House of David, an Amercian sect. v Anderson refused to swear by the Bible, stating “I never swear.” He promised to tell the truth. Capt. Baldwin (military representative); “You object to serve with the New Zealand Forces?” Appellant: “I do.” He stated further that he abided by the First Commandment, “Thou shaft have no other gods before me.” He recognised no one but Jesus. Jesus had stated that he who lived by the sword should die by the sword. Appellant continued in a like strain for some time, giving numerous Biblical quotations upon which, he said, he relied. He belonged to the Israelite House of David, and was now waiting for his permit to go to America to attend an Ingathering of Israelites. He had given up everything which was against his convictions, and had severed connection with the world. Capt. Baldwin: How long is it since you became a member of the Israelites? Appellant: You don’t become members. We are virtually members without becoming so. How long have you belonged to them ? —Three months. What were you before that?—A Christian Scientist—a Christian Science healer. How long were you a member of the Christian Scientists?— Ten years. The Chairman: A healer all that time? —No, for three years only. Is there any head of the Christian Scientists? —No. They are a recognised sect, however. In an Amercian State a Christian Science healer has statutory recognition. I graduated as a healer. Is there anything in the tenets of the Christain Scientists which says you must not fight?—l have my own conscientious objection to fighting. I will not fight. Capt. Baldwin stated that as the Israelite House of David did not come under the exemption clause,of the Act the appeal would have to be dismissed. The Chairman: “Yes.” • Mr. Moorhouse then asked Anderson if he would undertake to do non-comba-tant work, as provided for in the Act, and Anderson replied bluntly. “No.” The Chairman (after consulting with other members): Very well. The case is dismissed. Appellant: What does that mean ? —lt means that we cannot help to keep you out of camp. What is the next step? Capt. Baldwin: You will receive a notice to go into camp. If you do not obey that you become a deserter. Appellant: I say here, I am not going into camp. I won't go into camp, and no man will make me do anything against my convictions. The Chairman: That does not concern us Appellant, a big-built man, placed his hat on his head and departed hurriedly.