CONSCRIPTION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 882, 7 December 1916, Page 9

CONSCRIPTION.

ACT TO BE ENFORCED

Press Association

WELLINGTON, December (J

Discussing the Military .Service Act this afternoon, the Minister of Defence (the Hon. James Allen) expressed Ihe determination of the Government to give effect lo the will of Parliament. "There can be no doubt about the will of Parliament," said Mr Allen.

"The division on the second reading of the Bill was -1!) votes to live, and the division on Ihe third reading, taken in the early hours of the morning, was 44 voles to four. In the Upper House the Bill was passed without any division at all on the second or third readings. "I desire it lo be clearly understood that the Government intend to carry out Ihe will of Parliament. The Military Service Acl was placed upon the Statute Book lo enable New Zealand lo fulfil ils obligations to the men who are. serving at Ihe front, and to the Empire and her Allies. It was placed upon Ihe Statute Book to enable us to win the war and obtain a lasting peace. "The ballot provides the fairest way by which men may be selected to light for their country in its direst need. All honour to the men who volunteered, but the time has come when many men find it difficult to judge whether their turn has come. The ballot is the fairest process lo assist Ihem in deciding. There is no discrimination—rich and poor alike have the same chance. The only method by which men may be exempted from service is the method provided by the Military Service Act, namely by notice of appeal to the Commandant, in order that the case may be heard bv the Military Service Board. "This is a lime in which unity is strength, and I ask for the united effort of all Ihe people of New Zealand to assist the Government in carrying out Ihe provisions of (he Military Service Act. It must be clearly understood that the will of Parliament has been undoubtedly expressed, and Government are bound lo carry out that will, and will do SO."