MILITARY SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1916, Page 7

MILITARY SERVICE.

TEMPORARY VISITORS 'NOT LIABLE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, September 21. The question lias been raised in Australia as to whether shearers and slaughtermen coming to New Zealand will bring themselves under the compulsory clauses of the Military Service Act. A :ommunication having 'been - received from the New Zealand Government agent in Sydney in reference to the matter, a reply has been sent to him that there 13 no deflinte time fixed 'by the Military Service Act during which people may remain in New Zealand before becoming liable for service. The test is residence in the Dominion, and mere casual presence in New Zealand for a temporary and special purpose is not residence within the meaning of the Act. Visitors to New Zealand, therefore, do not become subject to military service unless the circumstances are such as to show an intention to remain in the country permanently, or for an indefinite period. This information has been communicated to Sydney in order that shearers and slaughtermen coming to the Dominion for the coming season may be assured that they will not, by doing so, come under the Military Service Act. It is hoped, says the Hon. G. W. Russell, that this information will lead to the usual influx of shearers and slaughtermen, whose services are so necessary each season to keep up the pastoral and meat I freezing industries of the country.