DEMOCRACY AND DEFENCE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 13103, 17 June 1913, Page 8

DEMOCRACY AND DEFENCE.

iPer Press Association.)

CHBISTOHURCH, last night. , Th 6 JHBojn., J&s;? Allen, 'Minister for Finance and Defence, returned to town this afternoon.

Mr G. nW^JAussWl/ M.P.,. introduced a large^ deputation' from "the National Peace Council on the subject of the Defence Act. "■''>

. Among Jftie speakers was Mr C. R. N«.' . jMaqk&wi, < secretary of !the Piaad.3 Council, who said that the Peace Council stood for the repeal of the Act. The Minister, replying, said that the Act wsi» - a,; democratic one. The principles underlying"- it wefe democratic — equality of sacrifice and equality of opportunity., .; If they could indicate to him how to determine that a .youth was conscientious m his objections to military training he would; put it m the Act tO'inorrow;.^ The Minister indicated that he would welcome any suggestions for amendment .of the Act, and. .would inquire ..into, any specific cases, of maladministration, but .he., made. it. .clear that he would hot repeal the Act. Mr Russell referred to the fact that boys committed to military detention were, on arrival at Lyttelton, handed over to the military authorities by the police, and that they were conveyed to the boat by men with bayonets drawn. He put it to the Minister that this was a display of force that was absolutely unnecessary, and calculated to arouse feelings and passions better left smothered. ,

The Minister said that he did not •wfcnt to arouse the feelings referred to or to have a display of force made. He would look into the matter.

Mr Russell asked if the mothers of boys' could not be allowed to visit them at Ripa. Island. Mr Allen said he would also inquire into this matter. If mothers would only persuade their boys to keep the law he would let them go to the island every day.