THE DEFENCE ACT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 274, 16 May 1912, Page 5

THE DEFENCE ACT

A QUAINT ARGUMENT. By Telegraph— Prew Ae«oei*ti<m. Wellington, Yesterday. Mr. Justice Cooper to-day/heard ail appeal from the Crown against the decision of Mt. Riddell, S.M./yi recent l cases under the /Defence A<s., The Magistrate held that proceedings ftgainst - offenders should/^be taken Jundert the regulations, not under section 51 ofi'the ■ '■■ Defence Act; further, thjft as pergonal - service varied in character and*'-silread j over an annualneriod, defendants would •>.? at least have had an opportunity/afford* ■,! Ed them during each training year of ', rendering th« required service, within that year. ."* The Judge remarked that if the Magistrate wiui right the whole scheme of the ; Act was destroyed. , -3 The Solicitor-General concurred, and ,1 -added that 5, the effect of the decision " 3 was also absolutely subversive of all j military discipline. *

In the course of the argument the 1 Judge said the position, if flhe appeal j was upheld, would be like comic opera, J The case is proceeding. ■'!