DEFENCE.

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 1760, 4 April 1912, Page 4

DEFENCE.

THE PREMIER-ON THE ANTIMILITANT.

(Per Press Association.)

Wellington, April 3. . A lost reporter interviewed the Prime Minister, the Hon. T. Mackenzie, witlli reference-. to Cabinet's reported decision. His reply was as follows:—

"Neither the previous Cabinet nor the present Cabinet," he said, "believed that it was. ever intended to put out lads into' a common gaol, thero to'bo clothed with gaol clothing ; and have their finger prints taken like common criminals. Provisions under the Act were thought to have been sufficient to ensure obedience to its provisions, viz., depriving those refusing to register of the right to vote, and depriving them also of their right to eater the Civil Service. That, however does not appear to have been sufficint in .-some cases and Cabinet is considering tJie propriety of modifying the Aofc in some form next session."