Click photo to enlarge
Messrs Smith Bros' first prize-winning and champion
stallion at the Lake County A. and P. Show. - Otago
Witness, 15.12.1909.
A deputation of Quakers, or the Society of Friends,
waited on the Prime Minister today in reference to the
conscience provision of the Internal Defence Bill.
The Friends had already petitioned the House, entering
conscientious and religious objections to compulsory military
training.
Mr Thomas Wright said they wished the Government to
understand that they were with it in every way.
It was in no facetious spirit that they came forward.
They simply desired it to be known that taking part in war
was against the spirit of Christ, as far as their religious
principles were concerned.
They thanked the Prime Minister for including the conscience
clause, and were prepared to undertake civil duties so long
as they had no connection with war.
Mr W. B. Matheson urged the necessity for doing something in
the way of educating people to the folly of war, and the
wisdom of disseminating the doctrine of the brotherhood of
man.
In reply, Sir Joseph Ward said it was unnecessary for him to
assure the deputation that he had the greatest respect for
any objections they entertained.
If the world at large entertained views similar to those
which had just been expressed, and were actuated by similar
ideas, international difficulties would be settled by means
of arbitration.
He went on to say that every class in this country wanted to
see war ended.
But they had to realise the obligations which were placed
upon them.
The time might come when they would be involved in war, and
when they would be put to the necessity of protecting their
own interest.
Accordingly, it was impossible for him to take up a course of
neutrality or "do nothing".
The system which New Zealand proposed to follow was not one
of militarism, but a system of education; the people have to
protect themselves.
People who had conscientious objections would have those
objections respected.
• The cargo in No. 2 hold of the Sussex, which fell in with a
succession of hurricane gales after leaving the Cape of Good
Hope, suffered considerably.
The Christchurch Press says the working of the ship in the
terrific seas wrought sad havoc to cases and packages, which
were chaffed and broken to matchwood.
The contents, consisting of cornflour, coffee essence,
candles, nails, bolts, twine and rope, and other merchandise
being mixed up in a hopeless mess.
Over 100 men were employed in Sydney effecting repairs to the
vessel, which was delayed there four days. -ODT,
14.12.1909.
