EXPLANATION FOR THIS PAPER.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 19, 14 July 1911, Page 11

EXPLANATION FOR THIS PAPER.

By P. J. O'REGAN, Attorney for the N.Z. Federation of Labor.

Section 27 of the Defence Act, 1909, provides for a number of exemptions in favour of certain occupations therein mentioned. But persons pronounced physically unfit by a duly appointed medical man are entitled to exemption (section 49) and Persons who object to military service on religious grounds are entitled to claim exemption, but such persons are liable to perform some service equivalent; to military training (section 92). Everyone who fails to register is liable to a fine of £5, and shall not be entitled to be enrolled as an elector under Division 11. of the Legislature Act, nor to employment or continuation of employment in any branch of the Government service (section 51). Query.—lf the working of the section regarding the franchise has not been purposely made vague. As the law-breakers, will be under asre, the

matter cannot he tested until they reach tb© age of 21. and are refused the franchise, Tjut it is most probable ■fehat they cannot be denied the right to be enrolled as electors. The offence of failing to register i» no dou-bt a continuing one, but the Act does not expressly say so."