MR WILLIS BUND AND BADSEY
CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS
To the Editor of the “Journal and Advertiser”
Sir
I had hoped some pen more able than mine would have taken this matter up. I certainly think considering what Badsey has done, not only in recruiting (which is about 12 per cent. of population, but in other ways such as flag days, Red Cross work, war savings, concerts, etc, his remarks are most undeserved. It would appear that Mr Willis Bund has made a dead set against us when he accuses us of manufacturing conscientious objectors from the first. Now, sir, what are the facts. In the first place we have only two natives pleading that miserable cause, and one stranger making three in all, and yet, in spite of this the “King of the County” (for such he appears to be) has thought fit to utter such false statements which we consider very unbecoming of a man in his position. As to our Parish Council’s decision re: conscientious objectors and German prisoners Mr Willis Bund asks why was not a parish meeting held. The Parish Council wanted to save anything unpleasant taking place, and considered a parish meeting was not necessary, as it was known that the parish greatly resented them, and by an overwhelming majority preferred the prisoners, knowing that they had done something for their country, while others had done nothing except for themselves. Now, sir, in conclusion, I hope I have succeeded in making it clear that Badsey is not the unpatriotic place Mr Bund attempted to make it out to be. The fact of the matter is certainly biased against the prisoner scheme, which, as time goes on, will become much more popular than it is. Notwithstanding what Mr Willis Bund says we shall go on in the future as in the past doing what we can to help the country in its hour of need. Thanking you for inserting same. I remain, yours truly
WILLIAM STANFORD
Badsey. January 2, 1917