MILITARY SERVICE BILL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2786, 2 June 1916, Page 7

MILITARY SERVICE BILL

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.

More, amendments to the Military Service Bill have beon proposed. Mr. Wilkinson will move'in Committee to increase the number of members on Military Service , Boards from three to five, three to form a quorum. At present the strength of a board is fixed at three, and it is provided .that all must be present before a meeting can be lawful. . Mr. Witty has given- notice of- several amendments. In the-Bill'"medical offl, cer" is defined as , "any person who with tho authority or approval of the Minister of Defence or the Commandant or art authorised officer is employed in (the medical examination of men called up foi service," Mr. Witty suggests that "regis, tered medical practitioner" bo. inserted instead of "person.". In tlio, Bill it is provided that ithe, only notice given \sftmen called lip shall be the publication of their names in tho Gazette. . Mr. Witty asks that a .copy of the Gazette containing the notice. shall bo sent by registered post to . all men named in it. Ho asks also that 'tho power given to an employer to appeal to tho Military Service Board in respect to tho calling up ol a man, shall not.be giyjii if the employer is the father, or mother of tho appellant. Mr. Witty proposes several new clauses. Ono is to provide , that males of military age not British subjects shall be liable to civilian service. Another proposes that every soldier shall be insured by the Goveminent during the war for iilOO, that the premium be paid by the Government during his absence from New Zealand, and that the soldier on his return may take up tho policy and continuo tho payments. .

Mr. Witty proposes also this important olauso:."The Public Trustee (unless 011-er. wise arranged.) shall* manngo all lauds or businesses belonging to auv peisp who leaves New Zealand under this Act, anfl shall receive and pay jut nil moneys in connection - therewith during his absence."