DEFYING THE LAW.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1916, Page 8

DEFYING THE LAW.

MEN CALLED UP. (From Our Own Correspondent). Wellington, Dec. 21. The machinery of the Military Service Act cannot be said to be running rapidly, though the military authorities insist, that it is operating surely. The period of grace allowed balloted men who had failed to present themselves for medical examination in flroup 5 (Wellington City and' Suburbs) expired this morning, and it had been announced that defaulters would be liable to arrest-forthwith. But no arrests were made to-day, although some of the men concerned are openly asserting their intention of defying the law, and it was stated unofficially that some further delay was likely before any drastic measures were taken. One effect of the slow progress- that has been made with the administration of the compulsory clauses of the Act is likely to be a serious shortage in the 24th Reinforcements, which are to be mobilised during the first week in January. This draft is being mobilised a month late, and the importnnc.' of filling it, in view of the succession of shortages during recent months, has been admitted by the authorities.