THE COMPULSION BILL.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 17, 20 January 1916, Page 5

THE COMPULSION BILL.

QUESTION OF APPEAL. SIR GEORGE REID'S SPEECH. "POWERFUL WORDS OF . COUNSEL." LONDON, January 19. . During the debate on the Military Compulsion Bill, Mr. Walter Long's amendment exempting those who attained the age. of 41 before the appointed date was carried. Sir John Simon, ex-Secretary of State for Home Affairs, moved an amendmentproviding that-men may apply to a tribunal in order to determine whether they are entitled to certificate of exemp : tion. If not enlisted they shall be deemed to have enlisted. Mr. Asquith said he recognised that the amendment would not be fatal to the governing purpose of the bill, but I he considered the scheme of the bill was preferable. Under the bill appeals could be heard by three impartial tribunals.' Sir George Reid, ex-High* Commissioner for Australia, made his maiden : speech, and created an excellent impression. He said that nothing less than immediate obligation to serve could meet the gravit.r of the situation. The. interests Of Britain required the bill. He said he was not a compulsionist in the ordinary sense. Australians were ruthless Democrats, but under the Defence Act every man from IS years to 60 was liable to serve.* He concluded: "While the gloryof Parliament in peace times is fearlens inquiry, when the flames of destruction' arc approaching, the fabric of our liberty, let us save the house first." '/'"'' , Mr. Walter Long, on behalf of Pa_».ment,' thanked: Sir George Beid for' _s poweiful words of counsel. 1 "' The amendment was.nc-»tivefl. '