DEPUTATION TO MINISTER.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13751, 17 June 1913, Page 5

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER.

AMENDMENTS TO THE ACT,

ChrFstohurch, June IS

Tho Hon. James Allen, .Minister for Finance and Defence, returned to town this afternoon.

Mr. G. W. Russell, M.P., introduced a large deputation from tlio National Peace Council on the subjest of the Defence Act. Amongst the speakers was Mr. C. It. N. Mncki-e, secretary of the Peace Council, who said that the Peace Council stood for a repeal of the Act. The Minister, replying, said that the Act was a democratic one-. Tlio principles underlying it were democratic, equality of sacrifice, and ecjua.ity of opportunity. If they could indicate to him how to determine that a jout'h was conscientious in his objections to military training he would put it in the Act. The Minister indicated that lie would wolcome any suggestions for an amendment of the Act, and would inquire into any specific cases of maladministration," but ho made it clear that he would not repeal tin Act. Mr. Russell referred to the fact that boys committed to military detention were on arrival at LytUri-on handed over to the military authorities by tho police, and that they were conveyed to the boat by men with bayonets drawn. He put it to the Minister thai; this was a display of force that was absolutely unnecessary, nnd calculated to arouse {♦slings and passions which woro better left bmothered.

The Minister said that he did not want, to arouse the feelings referred to, or to have a display of force made. He Mould look into the matter. Mr. Russell asked if mothers of boys could not be allowed to visit them at Eipa Island. Mr. Mien said lie would also inquire into this matter. If the mothers would only persuade the boys to keep the law he would lot them go to the island every day.