WOMAN MILITANT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 13, 13 May 1912, Page 2

WOMAN MILITANT.

EXTRAORDINARY DEPUTATION TO A MINISTER. THE DEFENCE ACT. (Per Press Association-) Christehurch, May 10. A deputation of women waited on the Minister for Defence to-day re military training. It was very evident that some of those present look merely a theoretical interest in the question. On the other .hand there were those who, as mothers of lads who had suffered imprisonment, Felt a very poignant interest. The interview was a reraarkahle one. Some of the speakers stated their views with a volubility and extravagance of language which took a nay from the deputation's protest any dignity il might have had. Tlic deputation was introduced by Mr L. M. Isitt, M.P. Quite a number of women insisted on speaking. The Minister attempted to stem the torrent of speeches, and finally lie rose and insisted on making his reply. He said that he fully recognised tiie earnest spirit of the speakers. This was certainly the most frank deputation he had ever received. When the ladies took up any matter that appealed to their conscience there was no one more in earnest. He was not surprised at their earnestness, and neither was he surprised at their extravagant language. The Minister was not allowed to proceed very far before a babel of dissent broke out, and remarks of a painfully free sort were addressed to him from a section of the deputation. Quite a number of ladies who were taking the affair quietly sat back and smiled. Finally Mr Isitt rose and made a remonstrance, and Mr Myers was allowed to proceed. Mr Myers went on to say that, personally, having lost his father at an early age, lie had been in a position to fully appreciate the care of a good mother. He recognised that women were more directly and indirectly intersted than men in the Act. He intended to speak very frankly to them. They resented encroachments on their rights and privileges, but they must recognise their responsibilities. The system had been brought in to keep this free country freer, and to keep it as free as possible. An incredulous whistle came from the audience; it may have been from one of the ladies. Mr Myers resumed that he believed that the defence, system would strengthen parental control over the young. There was another outburst of dissent and some vigorous "noes." Mr Myers replied that parental control was waning. There was nothing more calculated to strengthen it than the discipline boys would learn in the camps. This evoked a frantic outburst and cries of "conscript", etc. Undaunted, Mr Myers started again. This was the age of great armaments. 'The more they were prepared for war the less likely they were to get it. "It means more war," the deputation contradicted. "A Prime Minister can betray his country," someone cried. Mr Myers said that he intended to carry out his duty. He declined to consider the defence question from the point of political expediency. He would not do that with any question. As far as be was concerned, in spite of threats of wiping out the Liberal party and wiping out himself, the law would be carried out. The deputation could put people in power to represent it, and the law would he altered. There was another demonstration, though several of the loaders called for silence, and appreciated the Minister's statement of the case. Mr Myers appealed to the deputation not to be obsessed with their own point of view. He hoped that they would never have a foreign foe here carrying out atrocities which he could not refer to in the presence of women. There was no such tiling as conscription. "ft is conscription," came the rePly. "Yon have made up your minds," said Mr Myers. "The training is to help our men to repel an invasion ot our hearths and homes." "Rot," was the elegant interpolation by a lady with a strong voice. Mr Myers took exception to this interjection ,aud several members of the deputation indicated their displeasure. Mr Myers concluded the interview with a very definite statement. "So long as 1 am Defence Minister and a member of Parliament and consider that the Act is in the best interests of the community, I intend to support it." He regretted the display of feeling and advised the ladies to look on all sides of the question. "We have been reading the military journuls," one of them retorted. SATISFACTORY PBANQ-EUYS NC. The Dresden Piano Company import only pianos of sterling value, shipped by manufacturers of worldwido repute. The. Company's experience and great trade enable them to buy pianos under conditions of special advantage. Their exhaustive knowledge of varying New Zealand conditions—humidity, temperature, and the rest—fits them to give authoritative advice on piano-selec-tion io purchasers from every part n! the country. The Dresden stock pianos made by many great firm-. They sell them at tile lowest rates compatible with honest trade; and these prices are the same to everybody. Whatever your circumstances, the Company will try to meet your convenience under "their excellent hire-purchase system. Obviously, then, if you think of buying a piano, it will be to your interest at least to consult the Dresden people. They will bo perfectly honest and straightforward with you, whether you buy or not. The Dresden Piano Company, Ltd., Wellington. North island Manager: M. J. Brookes. Local Representative: 6. W. Mills, stationer, Broadway. Stratford (late Cargill's).