COMPULSORY SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14868, 20 December 1911, Page 7

COMPULSORY SERVICE.

ENFORCEMENT OF .THE LAW.

The time has now arrived for the enforcement of the compulsory military service provisions of the new Defence Act, and officers in. charge of groups. aro ; being instructed to take action in the matter. But, although the Defence Department is enforcing these provisions it is. not doing so with any harshness. On the contrary, it ie acting very reasonably iin the matter. The procedure to be followed is, in the case of men who are eligible for the territorials or the senior cadets, and have failed to. register, that officers in . charge of groups will notify, these men that unless they register within a certain timo their names "will'"be handed over to the police, who will proceed against them. The period of graco allowed is by no means short, the men being allowed 14 days or more, according to circumstances, each case being dealt with on its merits. Failure to register is purely a civil default, and is dealt with as such, and not recorded as a military matter, or in tho record-books of the men affected. It is understood that there aro only five men so affected. in the Auckland military district. Several men have registered, but have failed to attend for medical examination or enrolment. To these notices will bo sent ' directing them to parade at certain, times and places for the purposes mentioned. Should they not comply with these notices further notification will be sent to them, warning them of . the penalties and liabilities under the law of the land." Those who fail to comply. with these . second warnings will also' bo proceeded against by the police, these offences also being civil. It may be mentioned that section 50 of the Defence Act prescribes the penalty for refusing to take tho oath, section 51 provides the penalty for refusing to render personal service, and section 52 the penalties to be imposed on anyone hindering others from giving personal service.