THE TERRITORIALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 69, 16 March 1912, Page 5

THE TERRITORIALS.

AN ALTERATION OF THE LAW FORESHADOWED.

REGARDING IMPRISONMENT,

(Fur Press Association.) Wellington, Mardh 14

The Prime Minister made it clear tonight, in an interview with a New Zealand Times representative that he is against imprisoning boys for breaches of the Defence Act.

“I have given a great deal of consideration to this matter,” said Sir Joseph Ward, * and I want to make it 'quite clear that I am against the imprisonment of boys for these offences. There is no such direct provision in our Defence Act, and I am of opinion that fine law will require to be altered so as to make the Act quite clear that imprisonment cannot be ordered. There is no doubt that imprisonment now is quite legal and that it comes automatically under the usual law in relation to unpaid lines. lam of opinion that an alternative of a more effective character, enable the system of universal training to be carried out, can bo provided by the legislation removing ifom the present system what has given rise not unnaturally to strenuous opposition by many wlho are favourable to the defence of the country being carried out upon the basis of universal training. I cabled the Prime Minister of Australia (Hon. A Fisher) concerning the matter a few days ago, and I find that imprisonment is not carried out in the Commonwealth, but that the law provides for fines up to £5. The alternative where fines are not paid is that those not complying with the requirements of the Defence Act are placed under military detention. Magistrates have no power to commit to prison in any case. It seems that the system can bo maintained in its integrity by removing what at present is creating very strong antagonism to-day in different parts of the Dominion.”