THE EXEMPTION DISPUTE.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1917, Page 4

THE EXEMPTION DISPUTE.

VICTORY R)H THE COUNCIL*

THE MEASURE DROKPED.

By Wire.—Our Parliamentary Reporter.

Wellington, U»t Xs|Jjt. The business of Parliament was held up to-day by the dispute between the two chambers regarding the: exemption clause of the Expeditionary Forces Bill. After the complete failure of Jjaet night's conference, an agreement was regarded as scarcely possible. The Council's managers insisted upon there beißg no special classes of exemption, while the representatives of the House stowl by their clause. After the failure of the third conference it was generally predicted that the Government would drop > the ■ Bill rather than press a, .quarrel that might have serious consequences. The dropping of the Bill would be in effect a victory {or the Council, since it leaves the existing law to stand without exemptions, but it will avert'trouble In the House, and possibly in the Ministry. rhe io ßs of a, e mfrmmtuag to the Defence fcutnorKiia, whp relied upon it to Btrenjfthen the law regarding enrolment, validate tie proceeding*, of certain courts-martial, and adjust other matters. One of the lost clauses provides for the cancellation of the civil rights for ten years of persons convicted tor desertion from the Expeditionary Force, or of disobedience /to maitw.K orders. ■*■;■•