Video: Conscientious Objector

The Defence Act 1909 allowed members of religious groups to appeal for an exemption but objectors were still expected to undertake non-combatant roles, often in the medical corps. Many religious objectors refused non‑combatant work as they would still be under military orders.

Officially labelled as defaulters, some objectors were imprisoned and lost some of their rights for 10 years after the War. A few were forcibly sent to the front anyway.

In general, public opinion was hostile towards the objectors. Despite the risk, many men stuck to their convictions and opposed the War on religious, ethical and humanitarian grounds.

Paparua Prison

Up until 1915, Canterbury’s main prison was Lyttelton Gaol. As the population grew, so did the need for a larger prison.

War shortages meant the new prison was hastily assembled and very soon overcrowded. Page would have been in the company of like-minded people. About two-thirds of the inmates were conscientious objectors in 1917–1918.

The facility has since been upgraded and is now known as Christchurch Men’s Prison.