TEXT OF THE COMPULSION BILL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 699, 8 May 1916, Page 7

TEXT OF THE COMPULSION BILL.

ALL MEN BETWEEN 18 AND 41 LIABLE. PROVISIONS FOR CARRYING ON CIVIL WORK. " Times" and "Sydney Sun" Services. (Received May S, S a.m.) LONDON, May 6. The full text of the Compulsion Bill shows that it consists of ]A clauses. It is entitled the Military Service Act. 1916. Those eligible for service are defined as "every male British .subject who has attained the age of 18 years and who has not attained the age of 41 years, who, at any time since August 14, 1915, has been, or for the time being is, ordinarily resident in Great Britain." The time stated for the Act to remain in force is for the period of the war. No penalties are mentioned, except for those refusing to produce their exemption certificates when authoritatively asked; but Section 0 say.s that during the continuance of the war Section 17 of the Reserve Forces Act, 18S2. which relates to offences by deserters and absentees, shall have effect. Clause 9 provides for the carrying on of civil work by empowering the Army Council to transfer men to the reserves in the general interest of the country.