THE SECOND DIVISION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 159, 5 July 1917, Page 7

THE SECOND DIVISION.

FINAL CLASSIFICATION. <By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. Wednesday. The final classification of the Second Division of the reserve was notified in the form of a "Gazette Extraordinary" this afternoon. The division is divided into six classes, according to the number nf children, as previously announced, with the important addition of the phrase "for the time being." In other words. provision is made for altering the classification of a reservist in accordance •with any increase in the. number of his ehildr-n or depletion by death. The "Gazette" also defines the position of a reservist in relation to illegitimate children, and directs that any reservist who has lost a son as a result of service in the naval or military forces during the present war shall have that son counted as if he were still living. A further ' 'Gazette Extraordinary" issued at the same time makes it compulsory for Second Division reservists to notify any change in their family. The object of t-his is to ei_ble the Government statistician to determine the classes to which the reserviste belong for the time being. A DANGEROUS QUESTION. (By Telegr3pb.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON. Wednesday. An elaborate question in ten clauses was put to the Minister for Defence byMr. Vigor Brown in the House of Representatives to-day relating to the manpower of the Dominion and the effect of calling up the Second Division. Before he got through all the clauses Mr. Massey held it up. declaring that every member had received a circular to this effect. •That document.*' continued the Premioy. "contains a seditious utterance. I don't think the Parliament of the countryshould bo used for publishing it broadcast." Mr. Brown: I don't wish to make anyseditious utterances here or anywhere else. I was asked to present this to the House, and 1 can't say I know enough about the regulations to be a judge. Mr. Speaker suggested tliai the question be submitted to the officers of the ! House. Mr. Brown agreed to this coarse, withdrawing the document meanwhile. A few minutes later Mr. Brown caused much amusement by asking: "Has a member any right to quote from 'Han- | sard' anything which happened in the ! House if* it was seditions ? After the i decision you have given." added Mr. Brown, it opens up a big question whej ther it be wrong or not."

Mr. Speaker cautiously retorted that lie was not prepared to rule on supposititious cases. (Laughter.)