The Making of Criminals and Loafers [1913]

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During the months of March, April and May 1913, some 400 young men have been summoned in the Auckland Police Court for not complying with the tyrannous demands of the Defence Act. 

In a great number of these cases, fines from £5 downwards and costs have been imposed. 

For refusing payment some of these, young fellows have been committed to Mt. Eden Jail, for periods varying between 3 and 21 days. 

In the exercising yard they mix with criminals of every class. In their cells they are left in solitude over 17 hours at a stretch. The mental and moral strain of this becomes torture to decent lads, and the whole proceeding is calculated to make criminals of them. 

The Military are now claiming the power given last year to attach the wages of these trainees in payment of

fines. 

To prevent this, situations will be thrown up in Auckland, (as has already been done elsewhere) and the Defence Act Administration will result in the manufacture of loafers. 

LOVERS OF FREEDOM! 
LOVERS OF NEW ZEALAND! 

Save our young men from this ruinous persecution by demanding the repeal of Compulsory Military Training. 
Join the NEW ZEALAND FREEDOM LEAGUE 
45 Victoria Street, 
Auckland. 
RELIANCE PRINT 118 Vic. St. West 

[June/13]