MILITARY SERVICE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3561, 22 September 1916, Page 2

MILITARY SERVICE.

SHEARERS FROM AUSTRALIA.

NOT SUBJECT TO THE ACT.

(Per Press Association)

WELLINGTON, September 21.Tbe question has boon raised in Australia as to whether shearers a!nd slaughtermen coming to Now Zealand will bring themselves under the compulsory clauses of the Military Service Act. A communication, having been received from the New Zealand Government Agent in Sydney, in reference to the matter, .a reply has been sent id him that no definite time is fixed by . the Military Service Act during which people may remain in New Zealand before becoming liable for service. The test is residence in the Dominion, and mere casual presence in New Zealand for :i. temporary or special purpose is not residence within the meaning of the Act. Visitors to New Zealand, therefore, do not become subject to military service, -unless circumstances are -such as to show an intention to remain in the country permanently or for an in-! definite period. This information has been communicated to Sydney, in order that shearers and slaughtermen coming to the Dominion for the approaching season may be assured that they will not by doing so come under the Military Service Act. It is hoped, says tho Hon. G. W. Russell, that this information will lead to the usual influx of shearers and slaughtermen, whoso sorviccs are so necessary each season to keep uo the pastoral and meat-freezing industries of the comitry. ■ \