SEARCH FOR SHIRKERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 183, 23 April 1918, Page 4

SEARCH FOR SHIRKERS

VERY FEW AT PALMERSTON RACES. When Defence matters were under consideration one afternoon in tho House of Representatives last session, several members suggested that the authorities might with advantage look out for shirkers among tlio men who follow racing. To lest tho accuracy of the suggestions tho Minister-in-Chnrgo of tho Polics (the Hon. T. M. Wilford) gave instructions that as many, plain-clothes constables as possible should visit the Palinersto'n races, and there, with the military police, make a canvass of the men of military age in the race crowds. During the first day 590 men were interviewed, and of this large number all but 32 produced enrolment certificates or leave passes. Of the 32 all but six were able to satisfy the police that they were in. fact enrolled, and the cases of these six' men. are now being investigated. On the' second day 500 men.wero accosted, and the reports are that 95 per cent, ol them were able to produce the proper papers. The police make the suggestion as the result of their experience in Palmorston. that the regulations should be made more stringent, and that men in the reserve should be required to carry with them documents which will identity' them unmistakably and immediately. The regulations are strict enough in this regard already, but they have been for so long a dead letter that men have given up carrying their papers with them.