EXPEDITIONARY FORCES BILL

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9095, 14 July 1915, Page 2

EXPEDITIONARY FORCES BILL

GOVERNMENT MEASURE INTRODUCED. PROOF OF 'DEATH. The Expeditionary Forces Bill (Hon. J. Allen) was brought down in the House of Representatives yesterday. It is a measure of some 36 clauses, dealing with a number. of matters conne.cted with the troops. The first portion lays down rules for the constitution and maintenance of the expeditionary forces. Bight clauses relate to questions of discipline, , and some miscellaneous clauses deal with various points that have ’arisen since the war began. The period of enlistment for noncoms. and men is to be the duration of tho present war and six months thereafter. Tho disciplinary clauses provide, inter alia, for the maintenance of discipline on troopships and the imprisonment in New Zealand of soldiers who have been sentenced by court-martial abroad. The powers of court-martial ore extended, and it is provided that the decision of a courtmartial shall not be questioned in any court. Tho limitation imposed upon the strength of tho territorial force by the Defence Acts is suspended during the duration of the war. The courts are authorised to accept as proof of the death of a soldier a certificate signed by tho Minister for Defence. Employers who attempt to prevent employees enlisting become liable to a fine of from £lO to £SO.