UNPOPULAR ACT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 671, 24 May 1929, Page 6

UNPOPULAR ACT

“COMMUNITY INSULTED” ARMS RESTRICTIONS The Arms and Explosives Act was strongly criticised by Mr. H. O. Mellsop, in moving a remit that the Act should be amended to abolish necessity for registration of fire arms and to allow free purchase of explosives. tJtHE conference agreed with the move. Mr. H. O. Mellsop maintained that the Act was creating enormous inconvenience and annoyance throughout the country. There was no need whatever for the Act. He did not believe that there was any danger of industrial strife, on account of which the Act was passed. Farmers, especially, were caused considerable trouble in arranging for the use of arms. He thought that the conference would be fully justified iu askiug that the Act should be repealed. He had it from policemen that the Act was ail infliction on the community. Mr. A. E. Harding said that there was no question of the registration of arms being of great assistance to the police. He thought that the conference would be right in asking that the Act should be amended. Mr. J. B. Jordan characterised the Act as unnecessary. Tight restrictions were not necessary in New Zealand. Mr. C. C. Munro said that the restrictions were “humbugging.” Mr. Gane moved that the Act should be amended to allow free purchase of explosives. The president, Mr. A. A. Ross, could not see the slightest necessity for the legislation. He could not point to another country with such restrictions. It was absurd to have New Zealand bound in such a manner. it is an insult to the community,” said Mr. Mellsop. “I believe that the police report was overwhelmingly against the Act. In New Zealand, we are not afraid of Communists and rioters.” The amendment was lost and the full remit was carried.