THE ARMS ACT.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 597, 7 January 1921, Page 2

THE ARMS ACT.

The provisions of the new Anns Act, which is now in force, are of a somewhat drastic nattire,, and will require the careful attention of many citizens who have grown accustomed to the freedom—and indeed the laxity—of the present system. Under the new Act, all firearms must be registered, and in addition no person must carry firearms beyond his own premises without a special license to carry issued by the superintendent of police. No charge is made for registration, but a license to carry a pistol will cost ss. A month is allowtd in which persons other than licensed dealers may register tiie firearms they have in their possession. Shot guns ordinarily used for sporting purposes are, however, specially exempted. They must be registered, but no license to carry them is necessary. A special exemption is also made for a!| arms and ammunition belonging to the Crown lawfully in possession of members of the Defence and Police Forces. A permit will in future be necessary to import firearms, and another important provision declares an automatic pistol an unlawful weapon which must cither be destroyed, exported, or surrendered to the police. The many war trophies which our soldiers brought back with; them have not been overlooked, however, and the Minister of Defence is empowered to license any person who has served beyond the seas or a near relative of his to retain a weapon brought back from overseas. As these special licenses may not lie available before April 1, it is quite likely that all these automatic weapons’ will have to be handed hi to the police in the meantime until the necessary license is obtained. All weapons or ammunition in serviceable condition handed in to the police will, have full value paid for it by the Government. Another provision forbids the selling of firearms without a permit, and requires the new owner to register. The maximum penalty attached to the possession of an automatic pistol without a license is three months’ imprisonment, or a fine of £IOO. Weapons may be registered at the local police station daily between t) a.m, and .12 noon and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.