BALLOT DEFAULTERS.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14539, 17 October 1917, Page 6

BALLOT DEFAULTERS.

A CONFISCATION PROPOSAL

(From our Parliamentary. Correspon- '.. dent.)

Wellington, Oct. ].G. I'he Defence Minister presented a return to tho House of Representatives to-day, showing that 2569 cases of men who have failed to answer the call in the ballot are under investigation by the Director of Personal Service. The number found as the result of investigation is 1985, as compared with 743 at the date of the prerious return. Jhere are 295 warrants outstanding. Mr Isitt asked whether the Government intended to have spectators at racecourses examined for registration certificates, and was assured that Cabinet had decided that .the police should take action.

Another question by Mr Isitt was whether the Government would confiscate the land of men who turned tail and bolted when called up. He had m mind two brothel's in Canterbury, large landowners, who disappeared.' when called up.

■ Air Massey: Who has their land? : Mr Isitt: They have, and their relatives are working it. Mr Massey said-ho had a- good deal of sympathy with Mr Isitt's suggestion, and the. House would have a chance to deal with the matter, as Mr Anderson had gjven notice of an amendment -to tho. Expeditionary Force Bill.