THE DEFENCE ACT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15899, 10 April 1912, Page 11

THE DEFENCE ACT.

LAW MUST BE CARRIED OUT. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, April 9. Replying to a deputation from the Arliitration and Peace Association, protesting against the compulsory clauses of the Defence Act the Hon A. M. Myers stated that, while holding in respect the conscientious opinions of those o]>posed to military training, it was his duty to see that the law was carried out. Although the Government regretted being compelled to allow the civil law to take its course when resistors failed to register (which involved penalties), the Government had no option but to see that the law was vindicated. " Those who failed' to register were thereby disfranchised, and forfeited their right to Government employment. WELLINGTON, April 9. One of the most interesting questions that will come before the Labour'"Party at its annual conference will lie military training. To-day the matter was introduced by a letter from the National Peace and Anti-militarist Council, of Christchurch, stating that the unrest prevailing everywhere on account of the attempted militarisation of the dominion through the operation of the Defence Act was doubtless apparent to all members of the conference, and asking the conference to give a decision on the matter. Several resolutions were forwarded by the Christchurch Council: —(l) Proclaiming sincere sympathy with those youths and .young men who have resisted the encroachment of their liberties ; (2) declaring that the so-called Defence Act is not in the interests of peace, but tends towards war; and (3) that no such extraordinary measures as are embodied in the compulsory clauses are necessary in New Zealand. A motion that the letter should be dealt with at onco was lost by 12 votes to 11. The subject will come before tlie conference at a later date.