A MILITARY QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 213, 2 November 1900, Page 3

A MILITARY QUESTION.

FBB PRESS ASSOCIATION. (Reoeived 1,11 p.m.) Stdnby, November 1. . Mr. Sleato, Chairman of the Military Enquiry Committee, presented a special report dealing with the Commandant's refusal to answer [certain questions, i and moved that certain questions were] lawful and should have been answered. Sir W. J, Lyne said complaints had been made that Colonial Governments had given information which the Impend Government thought should not have been divulged. In regard to plans .of forts and the position of guns the Commandant was quite right to refuse information if he thought it would disclose the defences of the colony but that did not apply to the question under notice. He had now been instructed in writing and he was sure he would give the answers required. The executive would take all responsibility as it was in the interest of the colony that the question Bhould be answered. The whole world would then know we were in a s f ate of complete preparedness.

A long debate followed on the question whether the military authorities were subordinate to Parliament or Obedient to the Imperial authoritie* only. Sir W. J. Lyne said the question was important, and be intended to submit it to the Imperial Government and have the wjiole matter definitely settled.

Mr. Hogue moved an amendment, " That, while the question asked the Commandant was lawful, the House having regard to the interest of the colony, and the efficiency of the military service, considers it ought not to bq answered."

Mr. Hughes moved a further amendment, " That this House declares the sole control of the military forces is vested in a responsible Minister." I Received 2, 1.9 a.m.

- Storey, November 1. ( Tha Assembly is still discussing the military enquiry.