THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE KAIPARA ADVERTISER & WAITEMATA CHRONICLE." HELENSVILLE, THURSDAY, Aug. 31, 1916 MILITARY SERVICE ACT, '16

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 31 August 1916, Page 2

THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE KAIPARA ADVERTISER & WAITEMATA CHRONICLE." HELENSVILLE, THURSDAY, Aug. 31, 1916 MILITARY SERVICE ACT, '16

ENROLMENT OF EXPEDITIONERY

FORCE RESERVE,

New Zealand's Government expects that every man of military age will do his duty under the Military Service Act between now and the. 16th September. The law provides that men who are not registered under the National Registration Act of last year must'enrol by the 16th September, and. that men who are already registered must inform the Government Statistician if they have changed their abode since registration., Neglect to report such a change may make the Reservist liable to a charge of desertion. The authorities are giving Reservists all possible encouragement and facilities (at any and every Post Office) to do their duty voluntarily, but it is important for men to remember that the Act provides heavy penalties for a breach. In every case under the Act onus of proof is on the defendant. A plea of ignorance will not be available as art excuse, because elaborate precautions are being taken, by posters, placards, and lanternslides, advertisements and other statements in the Press, to explain the position thoroughly.

Obligations of Reservists under the Military Service Act in regard to enrolling in the Expeditionary Force Reserve, or to notifying new address if their place of abode has changed since registration, are advertised in this issue. Men of military age (twenty years to forty-six) should take care to obtain a clear understanding of their duty under the Act. Neglect or delay in this matter makes offenders liable to heavy penalties, includiug .imprisonment. A Reservist who fails to report a. change of abode may be charged with desertion. The employment of non-enroled men or deserters is prohibited. A warning is given that onus of proof in every case under the Act is on the defendant. Cards, forms, information, and assistance are obtainable at any post office. Another important reminder is that it is safer to register than to attempt evasion of duty. Enrolled men have the chance of the ballot; men who are not enrolled may be sent straight into camp.