MILITARY AGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1917, Page 4

MILITARY AGE.

RKbL'CTIOvr to . 19 YEARS DISCUSSED. WELLINGTON, Altg 9. _ j It nifty how be predicted with some assurance iiiat the Government will, in its amendment to the Military Service Act, to come down this session, ask the House to agree to the reduction ol the minimum military age For service abroad from 20 years to 19 years. If tlie Government: does make this proposal it is,certain to nrieet with a mixed reception from the House. When the Military Act was before Parliament last year such a clause would assuredly have been rejected, but it is also true that some members are so unwilling to send Second Division men to fight that they may now be prepared to support the age reduction, so as to postpone the time for the married men to be sent. No exact information is available as to the number of youths there are in the country between 19 arid, 20 years of age, but it is estimated that the number is about 9.000. There will be amongst these youths a high proportion of physically fit, and it may be that a sufficient number may lie drawn from them to complete three reinforcement drafts of 1,920 men each. If this proposal should be adopted, it may be assumed that tlie calling up of the Second Division will be postponed until April or May of liext year, and their departure from New Zealand until three or four mouths later.

protests Against reduction, Dunedin; Aug 9 The following telegrams have been sent to the Dunedin members of Parliament : “Otago Second Division League urge you to strenuously oppose reduction. of age limit for military service. Our League ask for fair play, no Parliamentary hedging, and no boy sacrifice.” South Dunedin Second Division League urge you to strenuously oppose reduction of age limit for military service.” Palmerston North, Aug 10 At a msefing of the Second Division League to-night, the following motion was passed ; —“ That this branch strongly disapproves of the Government’s proposal to call tip lads of nineteen for active service.” .( Dunedin, Aug 10 The Council of Churches has protested against the reduction of the military age to 19 years.