Fighting Conscription.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 32, 13 October 1911, Page 13

Fighting Conscription.

COMSGRIPT6 AS STRiKESMASHERS.

Section 61 of the Defence Act, 1903----10, provides: "Where the Governor of a State'has proclaimed that domestic violence exists therein, the GovernorGeneral, upon the application of the Executive of the State/ may by' p'rOclamatibn declare that domestic" violence' exists in that State, and may 'call out-the permanent forcc-c., and in the event of their numbers being insufficient, may, also call out such of the militia abid "volunteer forces us: may be necessary for the protection' of that State, and the services of the forces "'So called'Soiit hiay. be utilised, accordingly for tlie prbteciion of ■ that State against domestic violence." To the lawman' this? •' "jargon may. sound empty and vagiice'btif its real meaning is that in strike time conscripts from other States m&y : bO ; sent to Broken Hill < perhaps shoot doAvn strikers:—''Barrier Daily Truth.'j : « * *■ ■ 'A : W.J.C.- (writes/. On September 25 some of. iiie "Sig giiiis" exploded thenv to Wellington's youngsters. The usual patriotic, ty'jpe aliout the glorious Hempire..,-.e f tc , ;,was the order of the day. Piiy ; V ' ' * "' * General. Godley .r ; ecejyes £1000 a year. as his Avages. (Beg pardon, his salary.) This is good pay for stumping the land and-talking..fight. - ■;. *- ...Ay,' * . ... * Our universal army —and 33 per cent, are not to be trained. It will be very interesting to' fiild out Avho will comprise this 33 percent. Baronet te and r Co. are very quiet, at present, but after November the weather may gef-AV armor.•:■ For Avhy and for what are Aye waiting? For the Anti-Militarist Conference. Till-then.'keep busy. Judging by the numbers seen in Wellington, - a consignment of officer pups has arrived from- somewhere. HoAveA-er, they are on the hire system, and can be "returned if not Avanted." Mr. Russell, M.P. (Avon), dealing with compulsory military training, asked the' Government why they had withdraivn the prosecution against Thomas Nuttal, a Christchurch youth, Avho failed to register. If appears (says an exchange) that Thomas Nuttal belongs to the "we Avon't'brigade," a strong body of - Christchurch youths Avho intend to resist this dastardly attack on. the liberty of our boys. Mr. Russell, in his speech, mentioned that he Avas'in favour of an efficient volunteer system. Russell said: "Another Christchurch youth named Cooke — (cheers'for Cooke!) —-had been prosecuted and sent to prison:, and so had a Wellington youth named Cornish. If they (the Government) did not intend to prosecute every one. who failed to register, the Act should be repealed. The action in Nuttal's case indicated either a change of front on the part of tho GoA'ernmen or a 'lamenable weakness in carrying out'the provisions of the Act. He stood for absolute equality before, the la-Ay. (Note.—Mr. Russell in his speech omitted to mention that 13,618 N.Z. youths had failed to register (vide "N.Z. Times," June 27. It is Avell that the Avorking-class should be constantly reminded that there are 13,618 youths who are resisting the Earenette's infamous proposals. Hoav General Godley and his satellites must be yearnsng to have a go at these 13,618 youths!) ■» ■■ • ■. . • * THE' QUESTION.. To Sir Joseph Ward. Prime Minister. Wellington.—Re exemptions: Is it intended to suppress all claims under. section 92 Defence Act P—Ridder. -:t- * * THE REPLY. To Ridder, Esq.—ln reply to your telegram oi 7th inst.. it is not intended to suppress claims under section 92, Defence Act; matter is iioav receiving my consideration^ —J. G. Ward. It is not the intention this session to amend the Defence Act in. the direction of admitting conscientious objectors- said tho Prime Minister in reply to Mr. Okcy. There is a distinct difference between the conscientious object!, r and the religious objector. Provision is made iv section 92 of the 1909 Act ior objectors on religious grounds, and arrangements are being made to give effect to. this provision. But those Avho object only on -the conscientious principle, apart from any question of religion. Avill bo registered, enrolled, and called un for training, if physically lit, under the provisions of the Act. Cares Avliere a young man can show ho is the chief breadwinner will be taken on their merits, and he may, if necessary, and after due inquiry made by the area adjutant, be exempted for the current year from camp ; but he -will bo required to attend drills at his drill,centre close to his home, as this will not interfere--with- his breadwinning for the home. Up to 18 years of age a youth is a senior cadet, and is not required to go to-camp or be taken from home, the necessary drills during the year being put in at -convenient' times, at his drill centre, close<to his home. "*••-.,_ * ■•■■»■■ * Reports from Auckland indicate that there is no lessening in tho anti-mili-tarist agitation., Members of the local Council carry on aotivo, work in tho suburbs, aha are, meeting with universal, success. _,Meetings, at Elleorslie