THE MILITARY AGE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12086, 15 August 1917, Page 6

THE MILITARY AGE

SENDING THE BOYS. COUNTRY MEMBER'S VIEW. [Frov Our Cobjucbjpondknt.] WELLINGTON, August; 14. " "What about, the nineteen-year-old boys?" asked ])r Thacker, when the member for Egmont made reference to recruiting 10-night " 1 don't, think this House will favourably consider the proposal," replied Mr WilkijiHOn. "'T don't know v. ether there are such proposals." A Mender: It's n kite. Mr Wilkinson declared that the Government should stick to the age of twenty. There was necessity to havo men behind the men who fought, so as to k<op them well' fed. No sacrifice would bo too great, but wo should do it. all in proper order and in reason. PREMIER OH OSS-EX A MIX F.D. "It's not worthy of you, suggesting that boys of nineteen should go to the front," declared Mr Witty, addressing Ministers in the House to-night. "Who said we did?'' asked Mr MnsNoy. Mr Witty: You didn't deny it. Members: It's a feeler. Mr Witty declared that he had n hoy of nineteen remaining and another married with one child. He knew his unmarried son would not allow his brother to leave his family. The Government had no right to put. out, such feelers. Mr Massov : There was no feeler. Mr Witty": Why is it not denied? Mr Mas.soy: Meeause there was no suggestion. Mr Witty: Then whv do you &it there and take your gruel from all over the country? (Laughter). Sir James Allen: You're barking up tl)e wrong tree. Mr Wittv stuck to his point, concluding "Why don't you say you won't send kids." WELLINGTON RESOLUTIONS. [Pkr Press Association.l WELLINGTON. AwrusL It. The New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association has forwarded to the Minister of Defence a letter protesting against reduction of the age limitj undor the Military Service Act. to nineteen. Tho Wellington Typographical Union carried a resolution condemning the proposal to lower the age of recruits. At a meeting of I lie Karon Borough Council to-night, a motion protesting against reduction of the age limit was negatived on the casting-vote of the Mayor, who explained that he knew several youths under age who had gone, to the front, and ycfciths of nineteen who enrolled would l>e nearly twenty by the time their training was finished.