MR G. W. RUSSELL ASKS A QUESTION.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14839, 3 December 1913, Page 13

MR G. W. RUSSELL ASKS A QUESTION.

—.— « "A KEW DiEFiafCE FORCE."

■ (fiPKCiAn to "Tins muss. ,, ) / WELtINGTON , , December 2. Before the Orders of the Bay were called upon this evening, Mr G.. W. KusselL asked leave* to addresp a question without notice to the Prime Minister. . Upon Mr Massey agreeing, Mr Ruesell propounded his question. "Has 'tho Prime Minister noticed/.' he said, "that something in the nature of a defence force, independent of the ordinary force of the country, has been formed at Auckland? If sd, will tho Prime Minister," he continued, "see that it is stopped, as if it is permitted, other defence forces will be set up ialso?" ■•'■■■ In reply, Mr Massey said that he had, heard , nothing officially bearing upon this matter, but while in Auckland he had been informed that a register was being kept of the names of tho men acting as mounted "specials," with a view to their being called upon in the /uturo. Only the names of those willing to serve again were being taken, ho understood. ■To maintain the habitual attitudp of protended suspicion, Mr Witty interjected: "Are w going to provide a captain?" - But Mr Massey did not deign to reply. , *