THE DEFENCE SCHEME.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1521, 17 August 1912, Page 8

THE DEFENCE SCHEME.

ITS BEARING ON TEE FARMER. At the recent Dominion Conference 'of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, a resolution was passed: "That this*conference recognises the necessity for compulsory military training, nnd suggests that tho training of young men employed in. agricultural, pastoral, and dairying pursuits should be so arranged as to reduce tho serious'inconvenience, and cxpenso to employers and employees by their frequent attendance required at parades, and suggests that the annual period of continuous training in camp during the slack season bo increased, whilst the parados during tho remainder of tho year be reduced correspondingly." The resolution was duly forwarded, tn tho lion. James Allen,-•Minister for Defence, who has replied in the following terms to Mr. E. C. Jack,, secretary uf the union:— "It has Wen decided that the training of those living in tho country districts shall be put in during tho fifteen days' camp, and that tho weekly parades will bo done away with. 1 hope this will be satisfactory to the farming community." Jn regard to the request from the union thai: the Defence Act be so amended as to abolish imprisonment under the compulsory clauses of tho Act, and substitute therefor service on a training ship, the Minister says: "It is intended by tho new Bill to provido detention instead of imprisonment. 1 do not thiuk that at the present timo we can provide training on a training ship as a substitute for national services. I should be very glad if your union could suggest to mo "some work that could be done under civil control by conscientious objectors." There are prosperous times ahead for Dairy Factories if prices remain as favourable as at present. There is, still greater prosperity in store for tho factories where "Victor" Vats ' are installed. Cluso on a hundred of these splendid Vats ore now on order, so immediate application is necessary if yon want your Vata early. Albert .f. I'ai'ton, Carterton." I'or Bronchial Coughs and Colds, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure, la, 3d,'

HORSE-THIEVING. GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING THE LAM'. The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice (the Hon. A. L. Herdman) has informed tho New Zealand Farmers' Union that lip has referred to the Solici-tor-General.their representations that tho law relating to horse-thieving be allercl, as at present no theft, is committed until a horse is offered for sale, and the only satisfaction the owner can have is by a civil action on account of any monetary loss he has suffered.