THE DEFENCE ACT AND IMPRISONMENT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 96, 23 April 1912, Page 8

THE DEFENCE ACT AND IMPRISONMENT.

TO THE XDIXOBm Sir, — Admitting that there may be valid reason© against enforcing the provisions of the above Act by imprisoning those who refuse to pay fines inflicted for failing to register, etc., I" would suggest the following amendments to the Act. Considering the fact that any able-bodied man who refuses tc prepare himself for tho defence of the country from which he derives his living, is, ipso facto, an undesirable citizen, why not treat ouch as if politically and socially dead? I would not only make him, as at present, ineligible for the old age pension and Government employment, etc., but would also debar him from the ordinary conveniences enjoyed by good citizens, as follows:— Loans under the State Guaranteed Advances to Settlers, use of Post Office Savings Bank, delivery of all letters and telegrams, isßue of season and concession tickets on State railways, etc. This, while avoiding the stigma of imprisonment, would make the life of the recalcitrant bo harassing that he would speedily reconsider his views. — I am, etc., KEITH MARSHALL. 18th April.