A REASONABLE SPIRIT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2787, 3 June 1916, Page 4

A REASONABLE SPIRIT

The second reading debate on the Military Service Bill, wlficli was brought to a closc yesterday morning, was, speaking, characterised, by a spirit of reasonableness which augurs well for a smooth passage for the measure to the Statute Book. With the exception of a small group of irreconcilable*, members showed a sincere desire'to make the Bill as perfect as possible. Their criticism was fair, and a strong case was made out for tho reconsideration pi several important points. Ministers showed a commendable inclination to give sympathetic attention to advice and suggestions, and have already expressed their intention to make some of the improvements which have been suggested during the debate. The Minister of "Defence assured the House that every suggestion put forward would be Cully considered by the Government. The Bill deals with an urgent national problem, and' should

bo discussed from the national point of view. There could be no possiblo cxcuse or justification for anything in the nature of obstruction or party vyrangling, and it is gratifying to find that the great majority of members realise the serious responsibility east upon them in this momentous matter. Mr. Alton's concluding speech created a, good impression. Hp succceiled in clearing up some misconceptions, and made the Eouse feel that the mcasuro would bo administered in a strictly impartial ancl reasonable manner. Justice Would bo done between man and man, ancl between district and district. Special precautions would be taken to-prevent the shirker from avoiding his duty. Mr. Allen's references to this aspect of tbo problem appeared to meet with general approval. Another matter that received a good; deal ,of attention during the debate was the constitution of the Appeal Boards. Some members feared that the military clement would predominate on these boards. This fear has been removed by the Prime Minister's announcement that the boards will he composed of level-headed, unbiased men. They will not be, military tribunals. The suggestion that, where possible, a Magistrate should be chairman will go far to allay flic misgivings of those who have felt that the civilian and industrial points of view might not receive duo considerationin'the hearing of appeals. The inclination shown byMinisters to take advice and pay atto reasonable criticism <"-innot fail to facilitate tbe passago of the Bill through Committee. The House should bo careful not to aik.w its efforts to improve the Bill '.o be thwarted 'by any hostile tactics which may- be adopted by .the very small' minority who want to wreck the measure.