TO-DAY'S PARLIAMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 15908, 14 September 1915, Page 8

TO-DAY'S PARLIAMENT.

(From Our Own Reporter.) The Hon. James Allen's reply to Mr Ell expressed regret over the unfortunate delay in sending the sick men on board the Tahiti to ports nearest their homes. He hoped to have sent them home on Saturday night, but unfortunately the crew and firemen, whose signed articles entitled them to their discharge at Wellington, would -not agree to take the boat south. He went south believing that satisfactory arrangements would be made. Immediately on returning; from Christclfureh he arranged for the men south to-day. The Alien Enemy Teachers' Bill, introduced by the Prime Minister, was rend a first time. The Hon. James Allen, in reply to a question, said there was a great diversion of opinion as to the minimum age of soldiers". General Godley wanted voting men of 20 years and under, but he (Mr Allen) personally thought "the age should not" be under 20. Although young men learned the work quickly, they had not the same staying powers as men over 20 years. He was not In favor of increasing the minimum to 21 years. The men going now -were a little older than the members of the early contingents,.