THE ARMS BILL.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 180, 31 July 1920, Page 2

THE ARMS BILL.

TO CIRCUMVENT FACTIONS

More information in regard to the intention of the Arms Bill was given by Sir Francis Bell in the Legislative Council on Wednesday afternoon. The Bill, he explained) was intended to prevent factions arming themselves. There was in existence an Arms Act, but it was archaic, having been brought «n to prevent Maoris from receiving arms years ago. Attempts made during the war to use the Act had failed, and War Regulations had tx> be passed instead, making it illegal for persons to be in possession of a weapon in the fetreet. In some wajrs he thought the now measure wan nofc stringent enough. The Bill was read a second time.