SHIRKERS AND CONFISCATION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 21, 19 October 1917, Page 6

SHIRKERS AND CONFISCATION

Sir—Confiscation of defaulters' property, in The Dominion of even date, tells a promising story. It would be interesting, howavor, to know.how far the proposal goes. Is it intended that the absconder' has his present property only confiscated,'or that he shall not for a definite period be permitted to accumulate property? If no such provision 88 tho latter is inserted in such a proposal to confiscate properly it will mean, that tlie defaulter loses his present holdings, which may be little, but con, after the storm blows over, go on as usual, and is placed ou a par, or, perhaps, in a better position, than the returned soldier. There are several glaring cases that to tho writer's knowledge are being freely discussed in the street just now. For instance, one hears of a man on the \\ est Coast'who, being balloted, and having a, fine little business, has gone into hiding," his friends having undertaken to carry on the business until such times as he thinks, or hopes, the distasteful duty of being compelled to fight for his country and the protection of 'that little business Has passed. Another, case which calls for strict observation is that of a "waster" who was called up in a, recent ballot, and was before submitting himself for medical examination taking certain drugs, with the result that he was classed as CI. and now this month goes into the "cripples" camp at l'auherenikau. This fine specimen of manhood still boasts of his intention to Inuff those- medical authorities when he gets to camp-in fiwt, goes so far as to lay a wager he does not go to the front. Seeln" that there are many cases of this sort made up of the real "waster" and others mainly boasters, would it not be well 'for the authorities to make it clear to the public that such cases will uot be allowed to go undetected,' and appoint bureau, or place, or a, person to whom such cases might bo reported for strict . investigation—l am, etc. _„„ 1