THE ANTI-DEFENCE EFFORT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1778, 17 June 1913, Page 5

THE ANTI-DEFENCE EFFORT.

''PEACE" PEOPLE 4 HON. J, ALLEN. (By Tclogrash—Pr«i Association.) Christchurch, June 16. The Hon. Jas. Allen, Minister for Finance and Defence, returned to town this afternoon. Mr. G. W.' Russell, M.P., introduced a large deputation from the National Peaco Council on the subject of the Defence Act. Amongst the speakers was Mr. 0. K. N. Mackie, secretary of the Peace Council, who said that his council stood for the repeal of the Act. ; The Minister, in replying, eaid that the Act was a democratic one. The principles underlying it were democratic— equality of sacnfioe and equality of opportunity. If they could indicate to him how to that a youth was conscientious in his objections to military training he would put jt in an Act morrow,- The Minister indicated that he would welcome any suggestions for the amendmont df the Act, and would inquire into any specific cases of maiaarainistration, but lie made it clear that he would not repeal the Act. • Mr. Russell referred -to the tact tnav boya committed to military detention were, on arrival at Lyttelton, to the military authorities by the police, and that they were conveyed to the boat by men with bayonets drawn. He put it to the Minister that this was a display of force that was absolutely, unnecessary, and calculated.. to arouse feelings fl-iiu (P&S* 6ions\ better left smothered. The Minister said that he did not want to arouse the feelings referred- to or have any display of force mado. He would look into the matter. , Mr. Russell asked if the mothers of the boys coold not be allowed to visit them * ho would also inquire into this matter. If the mol thew tl Tw only persuade their boys to keep tho law he would let them go to the island every tajr- ________