Conscientious objectors respected

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.