Kōrero: Religion and society

While the authorities gave some recognition to religious objectors to war service during the First World War, they treated secular objectors harshly. Archibald Baxter was an Otago rabbiter who objected on non-religious grounds to serving in the war. He was conscripted, but refused to carry out work that he considered assisted the war effort. Baxter was sent to the Western Front. His conduct sheet notes that on 23 July 1917 at the 22nd reinforcements camp he 'hesitated to sweep out the Med. Hut when ordered to do so.'  For this he was sentenced to 28 days of Field Punishment no. 1 and forfeited 28 days' pay.