THE PEACE COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 14, 17 June 1913, Page 5

THE PEACE COUNCIL.

DEIH'TATIOX TO THE MINISTER. Per Press Association; Christclnirch, Last Night. The Hon. Jas. Allen, Minister of Defence, returned to town this afternoon.

Mr. 0. W. Russell, M.l\, introduced a large deputation from the National Peace Council on the subject of the Defence Act.

Amongst the speakers was Mr. C. R. Mntkio, secretary of the Peace Council, who said that the Pence Council stood for a repeal of the Act. Tilt Minister, replying, said that th-s Act was a democratic one. The principles underlying it were democratic cqualitv of sacrifice, and equality of opportunity. If they could nidicatc to him how to determine, that a youth was con-scientious-in his objections to military traiumg he would put it in the. Act tomorrow. The Minister indicated that he would 'vclcome Any suggestions for tli«; amendment of the Act, and would enquire into any swilic eases of maladministration, but be made it clear that he would not repeal the Act.

Mr. Russell referred to tlic fact tli.it the boys committed to military detention were, on arrival at Lyttelton. handed over to the military authorities by the police, and that they were conveyed to the boat by men with bayonets drawn. He put it to the Minister that this was a display of force that was absolutely unnecessary, and calculated to arouse feelings and passions that were better left smothered. The Minister said that, he did not want, to arouse the feelinjrs referred to, or to have a display of force made. Mr. Russell asked if the mothers nf the boys could not, be allowed to visit them at Ripa Island. I Mr. Allen said that he would also enquire into this matter. Tf mothers would only persuade the hoys to keep the law he would let them go to the island every ilny.