THE DEFENCE ACT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15920, 4 May 1912, Page 17

THE DEFENCE ACT.

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 3. A letter protesting against the imprisonment of those who have refused to comply with the requirements of the Defence Act was addressed to the Minister of Defence by the president of the Auckland branch of the International Arbitration and Peace Association and by tho president of the Anti-Militarist Council. A reply has been received in which the Minister saj's he can only repeat his former statement, that as Minister of Defence it is his duty to see that the law as it stands at present is carried out. "You are under a misapprehension," the letter continues, "if you understood me to say that no more imprisonment would take place. You havo since waited upon the Prime Minister in regard to this subject, and I can only say I am in agreement with tho sentiments he expressed." APPRECIATED BY FOOTBALLERS. [Per Piucss Association.] INVERCARGILL, May 3. The committee of the Southland Rugby Union, at its meeting to-night, passed ' a resolution expressing appreciation of the Defence Act and recognition of the fair and just manner in which the Defence authorities were endeavouring to carry out their none too light task. The members wero of opinion that the attendance of footballers at parades on a few occasions during the season would not seriously interfere with tho local Rugby matches.