The New Defence Bill.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 13, 28 September 1910, Page 5

The New Defence Bill.

The bil l to amend the Defence Act of 1909 was discussed in Parliament on Thursday, and Sir Joseph Ward was able to make out a strong case lor the system and the special modifications that he now proposes to introduce into it. I he most important change suggested by the Premier is the raising of the age of liability for service from 21 to 25 years. The Premier’s object is, as he explained, to ensure that none of our military training shall be wasted, but that tho process shall be carried on from boyhood and youth to this comparatively advanced age. The effect of this alteration will be to increase the number of those liable for service from 30,000 to about 75,000; but allowance must then be made for exemptions. The list of possible exemptions is certainly a comprehensive one, designed to cover all deserving eases; ami the work of exempting, as well as ot selecting in each district the annual quota i ■quirvil for training is to be done by a committee of magistrates or some other suitable authority appointed for the purpose. This scheme gets rid of the ballot system of selection which, as

Mr. Ja<. Allen said, is one of the worst features of Continental conscription. Allowing for exrmptioiu, it seems probable that within six wars irmu ti n inauguration of the system we will have a citizen army at least .'>o.ooo strong, with a reserve of over 10.000 men an I officers who have passed through their full course of compulsory’ training. The cost of the scheme is, of course, an important factor, and, considering our heavy linatici.il re-ponwbilities. it will be no light task to tin.l an additional .£400,000 a year even for such a purpose as this. But the public safety •should be paramount over all other e»i .siderations; and it augurs well for the future of our nation that thus early in our history we have laid down the principle that it is each man's duty to learn how to defend hints If and those dear to him, and to make whatever sacrifice he may be called upon to undergo in his country's cause.