MEETING AT GUMMIES BUSH.

Western Star, 30 August 1918, Page 2

MEETING AT GUMMIES BUSH.

The final meeting of those interested in the matter of conscientious objectors was held in the GummiesWild Bush Hall on Friday evening, when there was a large attendance. The lists returned contained 83 signatures, and as there are still a few out it was decided to< make them returnable by the 3rd August. It was moved and carried that a deputation consisting of the Chairman (Mr G. Rodger) and Messrs A. White, O. Kelly and Mr W. McGill (secretary) wait on Mr J. 0. Thomson, M.P., and urge his co-operation in the nifeutter. It was also resolved to wait on the Riverton Borough Council and the Wallace County Council at their respective meetings and urge their cooperation in the matter. —Social.— The Chairman, speaking at the welcome home social tendered to Privates T. Molloy and Jas. Johnstone, who have returned from the front, said they were pleased to have these young men once more amongst them after having done their duty at the front. They had amongst them those who were not doing their duty—'the religious objectors. The people of the district had taken such action .as they deemed proper to bring the matter under the notice of the Defence Minister. There were many massing noney in this country out of the war, without being called upon, to make ;ho least sacrifice. He thought every man who was not able to go tq the war should be called upon to. do his itmost to( help in the struggle. Perionaliy, he was quite prepared to make my sacrifice, asked of him, seeing that le was debarred from going to the rout, after enlisting. In taking the hand they did against conscientious ibjectors the residents of Gummies ind Wild Bush -wished it to. be disinctly understood that it was through io personal enmity, hut purely from i military point of view. Their sons ind husbands had to go to the front, md there was no excuse for the eoncientious objector. Lord Denbigh, in , speech at Winchester, said;: ‘‘lf a liiarter of what Germany has done in franco and, Belgium was- known the ,-ymeii of England would see that no ouficientious objector dared show his ace.” There ware from fifteen to wenty conscientious objectors in this istrict, and they wanted them to do heir share in. the war, as these young ion who were with them that night ad done.—Applause. —Deputation.—

On Saturday afternoon the deputation waited on Mr J. 0. Thomson, M.P., who read the reply he had. received from the Minister of Defence with regard to the status of the religions objectors, who are required by law to. conform with the Regulations passed on 24th April, 1917. Mr Thomson said he would he pleased to assist the deputation in bringing the matter before the Minister. The deputation thanked him, and withdrew.