ARMS ACT

Hokitika Guardian, 4 November 1929, Page 7

ARMS ACT

RESTRICTIONS REMOVED

AAI v v!)! N{ J I JILL WK! X.' 0A! E D

WELLINGTON, Oct. 31. In movin'); the .second rending of the Arms Art Amendment Bill, in the House of Representatives this evening the Hon. T. M. AVillord stated that the measure was designed to relax the severity of the regulations affecting if irearms,*l here would be no necessity in future to- register ordinary sporting guns, and members of rifle dubs would not have to register their rifles. On the other hand, dealers would he required to keep a register of all sales-, and this could he inspected by the police. The Minister added that lie could not see the necessity for anyone in New Zealand to have a revolver or automatic postal, and there would he no change in the regulations so far as these weapons wore concerned. If it were shown between now and next session that the pea-rifle should be declared an unlawful weapon, a clause to that effect could later be included. He did not say, however, that such a course would be necessary. Mr Wilford seated that the restrictions on the use of powder for blasting were also relaxed. In 'future a dealer would be required to keep a register of sales of powder in the same way as applied to sporting wen no ns.

Mr Young (Hamilton) stated that the Bill would he appreciated by sportsmen and riflemen throughout the country.

Colonel M’Donald (Wairarapa), who congraulatcd the Minister on the introduction of this legislation, stated that \t was astonishing how much the administration of the Arms Act had cost the country.

Air Parry (Auckland Central) described the Arms Act as an absurd piece of legislation, and welcomed the changes embodied in the Bill. Mr Wright (Wellington Suburbs) expressed appreciation that the restriction relating to revolvers and pistols had been retained. He asked the Minister whether anything would be done to obviate the necessity of the observances of so many regulations in cases of rifles and pistols kept as souveniers of the war. The Hon. T. M. Wilford: On application by the owner I shall have power to sign a printed form which will free him from further interference. • Replying to Afr Kyle (Riccarton) the A 1 inister stated that a similar permit could be obtained to retain antiquated weapons, etc. Ah- Barnard (Napier) said he thought the Bill would be popular. He agreed that it was wise to retain the restrictions relating to revolvers and automatic pistols. The Bill was read a second time with out division, and was then put through committee with a minor amendment, read a third time, and passed.