THE DEFENCE BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 265, 16 December 1909, Page 3

THE DEFENCE BILL.

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE. ] Bj Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Wednesday. After midnight, Mr. Allen said he would, on clause 23, call for a division on the clause, as he considered the proposed method of drafting men from tlse general section to the territorial fore" a bad one. He moved that the words "general training section" be omitted from the clause. The amendment was lost by *l votes to 23.

Considerable discussion arose on clause 26, which provides for assets sud liabilities of disbanded corps passing lo the Crown, several members consideriug that this would be an injustice to corps having assets but no liabilities. Mr. Fisher suggested that the clause should be held over, but the Premier declined this, and moved to report progress. The House rose at 1.30 am.

ABOLISHING THE CANTEEN. I Dunedin, Wednesday. The United Temperance Reform Council passed a resolution expressing gratification at the Government's decision in regard to canteens, and its pleasure at the tenor of the reply given by Sir Joseph Ward to the delegation rega-d----ing the King Country licenses, and trusting that legislation quashing the licenses issued would be passed this ■>%%. sion. It also trusted" that the proclamation made to the natives would ever be respecfed.