NEW ZEALAND'S MEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12081, 9 August 1917, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND'S MEN.

AGE OF ENLISTMENT TO RE LOWER I'iD. ALTERATION'S IX -MILITARY SERVICE ACT. (Six'cial to tii; 1 -- Star.'"* WELLINGTON. _ August P. Amendments to the Military Service •Vet are in preparation and will shortly be presented to tho House. Tho out(standiii'v lea Hire of the amending 'Bill will be a proposal lor reducing the enlistment age, which will in all probability he Hxcil :it nineteen year*. The argument adxaneed in lavour ot this reduction i> that youths of nineteen would be practically twenty by the time lliov reached the firiu«» line. The Bill will al-o provide among other things for dealing with clergymen , theological students ami sectarian teachers, and will more (dourly define the position of nearly 2500 fit men of the First Division, who have, boon exempted sine die boci.use of essential occ.ipa i ions.

The Defence authorities have been unable to utilise fully the services of men classed as medically unfit lor active service overseas, hut lit. for work m New Zealand. There is only limited opportunity lor the employment of these men in camps or other military work in New Zealand, and the Military Service Act at present gives no power over them except as soldiers. As it. mav become necessary to place tin's class in essential industries, the Hill will amend the law to this purpose.