A LARGE number of positive resistors were summoned for non-payment of that part of the poorer rates used for education services.

In the case of the majority of the defendants from Redditch, Mr F J Whitely appeared and defended the conscientious objectors on their behalf.

Defendants included Kate and Annie Sarsons of Unicorn Hill, Harry Peel of Oakly Road, Charles Harris of Astwood Bank and Charles Terry of Grove Street.

In a brief speech, the Rev W E Hurst, of Astwood Bank, who himself was summoned for the non-payment of 4s, on behalf of himself and others, said they admitted to the legality of the rate.

He said they were summoned to the decrees of the King and the Government but when this decree comes into conflict with one Christ, who reigned supreme in their lives, they could nothing but resist.

The chairman in making the order for the payment reminded the defendant that he would lose his vote. But the defendant replied: "I do not wish to boast but they do not mind what they lose when they are acting conscientiously. Their forefathers lost their lives for that sort of thing."

He declined to pay saying as long as "this rotten government was in power he should let it go."