THE DEFENCE ACT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1853, 12 September 1913, Page 4

THE DEFENCE ACT.

MISREPRESENTATION REPLIED,TO. Vigorous replies to anti-militarist literature concerning Now Zealand are being made by tlio High -Commissioner. In a recont letter to tlio "Yorkshire Post," Mr. Mackenzie says Sir,— I observe that this country as still being flooded with literature, headed 'AVarnings to Emigrants,' etc., and many newspapers with letters regarding New Zealand's defenoo scheme; also pathetic stories are being told respecting a few stormy petrels who have lelt the Dominion. . . . "Certain people have returned to tho Old Land, and we New Zoalandors are, heartily glad to bo -rid of them. Somo of them used tho money of tno" colonists to help them to travel to New Zealand, and they took vciry little with them; somo of them did remarkably well during the time they lived in the Dominion, and I might say that not only did somo oroato distuAanoes there m conhectiion with our military training, but in a fow instances they quarrelled . with Church, school, and councils. wish it to be distinctly understood that wo 'have no desire to receive anyone m Now Zealand who lias not the manliness to take his share in defending , that country, and An protecting its women wul children Should ever troublous times arise. Wo do not want them, and wo are glad to bo rid of those who have unfortunately used our money to so to our country, and who ha\o broken tho obligations they took upon themselves when they received that money. I would add that tlieso people, before boina: assisted'to emigrate, wero supplied with literature showing they wero subject to bo called upon to rentier military sorvico. • "It should be ment'oncd that. those who undergo military training receive at least 28s. per week during that I'training, and' are .provided with food and accommodation. I notioo my predecessor in office is reported to have saiid, sinco his retairni to_ New Zealand, that ho lwd heard of objections to universal training made there hv a small section of people, but it was lus opinion that if there wore men who were not prepared to do their duty to protect their mothels, sisters, and wivesi from a- foreign foo, ho wouid gladly cont-ii-Ltoliiis share in .assisting them to loavo tlio country.