The Federal Defence Bill.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 12581, 30 September 1908, Page 5

The Federal Defence Bill.

Press Associatiou.-Telcgra ph.— Copyright.

Received September 30, 10.12 a.m. Received September 30, 10.17 a.m. MELBOURNE, September 30. The Hon. Thomas T. Ewing, Federal Minister for Defence, has introduced the Defence Bill. The main features of the measure are that every male citizen in Australia aged from 12 to 26 will be called upon to undergo military training in a force known as the National Guard, x from 12 to 18 as cadets, and from 18 to 26 in the defence force. The Act also empowers the Governor-General to call upon all persons liable to serve in the reserve forces, which includes all capable of serving in time of war up to the age of 60, who are not included in the active defence forces. The National Guard is to undergo 18 day 9' training annually. A penalty of .£IOO is provided to be imposed, upon employers preventing their employees from serving, also penalties for any citizen who fails to comply with the Act. The debate has been adjourned.