THE MILITIA BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2203, 5 October 1907, Page 1

THE MILITIA BILL.

[To the Editor.] Sir.—This Bill would appear to be somewhat ill-considered, illogical, and unjust. The object, of, thoßillus to .compci tho men of New Zealand as classilied to bear arms, and become proficient in their use. The idea is good. But see how ill-judged it is in comparison to the law 11s made and. provided. The man with only hands attached to his arms must not seek to becomo efficient by striking at an objoct which may assume all sorts of positions during practice, and so it must 'he unjust to support the men with guns in their hands when practicing, and punish the men who liavo only hands to their arms for doing the same tiling. AVliat led to this train of thought was that lately I noticed two youths were had up in the S.M. Court for agreeing to settle a point in dispute with their hands, (not Government- arms) without further nss-istance. I say, Mr. Editor, that the law as made and provided in this case is unjust, and it has been laid down by an eminent [ authority- “That the law is an ass.” In the case of the Militia men, with guns in their hands they nro commended for their proficiency, while men with only hands to their arms become breakers of tlio law. Tko Militia man may slay men with whom he has no personal quarrel, tho other man must not settle a dispute between himself and a friend. I don’t tliin'k boxing is taught to our boys in tho public schools, presumably with tho fear that some one might be hurt, but I strongly think it should bo taught to our girls, and Xew Zealand could show to the world an example of that elusivo problem of which wo hear so much: Home Rule. —I am, etc.,

“QUID NUNC.”