Mexborough and Swinton Times September 9, 1916
Objecters
Denaby Colliery Cases
Three applications for exemption were made on behalf of the Denaby Main Colliery Company.
The first was for a bookkeeper. 13 men from that department had joined the colours, one had entered munition work and two have gone to other collieries. He had just reached the age of 18, and had been especially trained for the work.
The second was for a Colliery wages and costs Clark. Originally there were nine clerks; five had enlisted, and one removed to the colliery. 14 females were employed and four men were left, it being necessary to have sufficient men to overlook the work of the women.
In the third case the man was a colliery wagon weighman, and it was stated that the company had lost five men out of that department. He was the headman. A wounded soldier and a consumptive had been engaged to fill up the vacancies.
Conditional exemption was given, the men to join the Voluntary Training Corps.
Another Conisborough Conscience
An International Socialist from Conisborough – a colliery surface worker at Denaby – wrote that as he justly believed in the Fatherhood of God so he believed in the brotherhood of man, and could not take part in war.
The Adviser Committee said he ought to have gone months ago, and they could not understand why had not yet been called up.
The Clerk: How long have you held the opinion that you should not fight? – Six or seven years.
The doings of the enemy have not changed your opinion? – They have not.
You still think we are all brothers, although Germany might send a man here to put a bayonet through your body? – Yes; I am speaking in a general sense.
You have no religion at all? – The only religion I profess is Socialism.
The tribunal did not think his conscientious objection was well grounded and refused exemption. The man promptly applied for an appeal form.