PARLIAMENT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 128, 31 May 1916, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. PETITIONS. WELLINGTON, May 30. The House of Representatives met at 2 p.m. The petitions included several in favour of the early closing of liquor bars. FEATHERSTON CAMP. In reply to a question, the Hon. J. Allen said that everything that could possibly be done was being carried out at Featherston camp to prevent an outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis. It was thought the precautions taken would prevent anything approaching an epidemic, although an isolated case might follow cases of measles. FIRST READING. The Proportional Representation, an effective Voting Bill (Mr. Veitch) was read a first time. MILITARY SERVICE BILL. The Hon. James Allen moved the second reading of the Military Service Bill. He said that so far the troops required had been secured by the voluntary principle, and he wished to place on record the country's appreciation of their services. He also referred in grateful terms to the work of the staff, the work of the women, and the patriotic societies and local bodies, in promoting recruiting under the voluntary principle. They had enrolled and equipped 46.000 men, and 351 nurses. The Maoris numbered 1019, and the Nuie Islanders 148. The reinforcements now in training numbered 11,309. The main body numbered 7750. The promise had been given that the force should be maintained, but, with nihor units, it was necessary really to keep up a force of approaching 32.090 men. The Bill allowed the voluntary system to continue, but it was backed up by a scheme of compulsory service. He considered ccmpuis r- national service was just, demrcraHe and scientific. Power was pre; - csed under the Bill to enable the Governor-in-Cotracil tc revoke voluntary enlistment in certain districts. He snprosed greatest opposition would ccme from those who thought compulsion renucrnant in a free, democratic country but lie held that the fact of the richest man in the land fighting f-Jfingside )Jjhe

poorest was a complete answer to those who contender), that compulsion was undemocratic. The. Bill was.ne.-v~ cessary in order to keen our promise to the Motherland. We crave our pledge that it would be fulfilled and it wa s necessary to maintain our selfrespect, and he was confident that our efforts would make for nobler and better things. Mr. Wilford said he was in favour of the principle of the Bill, themrh he would combat some of the provisions when the Bill got into Committee. There was no privilege that did not impose a duty, and he explained that he could not do any good by continuing: his speech at that stase. but -he did propose to offer suggestions at a later stage.

Mr. Witty said he approved of the Bill in theory, but he was afraid of it in practice. He contended that the failure of men to come forward was due to the fact that they were afraid they would not get a fair deal. He was afraid of the people who would appeal to save their sons from the war. He did not feel secure regarding the Appeal Board. They should have dealt with the cost of living before bringing down the Bill, so as to ensure that those men w r ho did go to the war, leaving dependents, would know that their families would be properly cared for. The Government should remember that a man's life was worth more to -him than another man's money. Every man leaving New Zealand should be insured by the Government for at least £IOO, and he should be able to keep on the policy at a small premium if he returned safely. He hoped that everyone would be treated alike under the Bill, and that there would be equality of sacrifice.

Mr. Poole pointed cut that the success of the voluntary system could be seen from the fact that 57,000 men were already dedicated to cur emancipation. He was not convinced that the voluntary system had failed, but he was pleged to a modified form of compulsion. The war had to be seen through, but they had to see that no discrimination allowed. He was afraid where the final appeal was to the Gcvernor-in-Council. Dr. Newman said that while the country was asainst conscription at the beginning of the war, the position u-as new reversed. The country was, now in favour of compulsion. He pointed cut that oenseiription ?had been enforced in New Zealand in 1858 by the Militia Act. The Minister, had not toucher! upon several questions involved by the Bill. Tw u-r cent of the rf ; er« I" *** ~^ ! -'on should b'e compelled to take seme share of + he work of defence* He likened the power given to the Military Board to handing over a blank cheque. History showed that countries that did not invoke conscription were likely to go to the wall. T je heped the E'il! wfrlcl pass.