THE DEFENCE ACT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLVII, Issue 12273, 6 September 1904, Page 8

THE DEFENCE ACT.

French B re Boused.

Per Press Association

AUCKLAND, .September 5.. Da the arriv:;i -df the French warshp Proteb from Hobart, Commodore Aig. ard wals informed by the Harlxmrmaster that it would !be necessary to make formal; application to the authorities at Wdi'Engton for permission for the officers and crew to land. He stated that no euch 'extraordinary taw existed in any other part of tilie world,' but as soon as *he vessel! coaled, she would 'leave Auckland. No French waiiships would visit New Zealand while ■such, an absurd law was enforced.

Subsequently the French Consul visited the vessel, and conveyed' from the Piistinier a cordial welcome to the Protet and the Commodore, /but the Commodore stood on his dignity, and adhered to his previous resdlution. It is also understood 'he threatened to appeal to Paris. The rule in question has been in force for some years past, but foreign warships havo always had extreme courtesy ftliown them 'in the matter of permitting orewis to land,; and tirils is the first instance bf an dbjectdon being raised. AUCKLAND, September 5. The De'fbnce Act,, clause 26, provides that soldiers or teailors from foreign warships shaHi aiot land in any port in New Zealand without, the permission of the Governor, o'Tbtaiiied through, the consular office. It 'is provided, however, tMis shall not apply to officers or men who wish to land while the Governor's permission is "being obtained. Hitherto the French Consul has hoen aqcustomed to obtan tho necessary permit foelforehand. The new Consul, M. Boeufoe, had not taken this precaution,. It appears that the Japanelse expressed surprise afc the exMence of the law quoted in the Protet case on the occasion of their nacemt visit, and made representations on the subject to the authorities at Wellington. The Commodore says that the matter is one for the Imperial Government. Ho sfcifli mtends to 'represent to Paris that the regulation is objectionable. The Protet incident has com>& to a •satisfactory conclusion. After an interview with the chairman and secretary of the Harbour Board, the Commodore said either the New Zealond or French Government was at fault, in not making foreign warships aware that such a regulation extateid. He was satisfied with the explanation, and expressed no annoyance, and isaid the stay olf the vessel -\voul3 be extended to Monday.