NATIONAL SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 May 1918, Page 2

NATIONAL SERVICE.

. .INTENTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, May 3. Sir James Allen, the Acting-Prime Minister, stated to-day that no definite steps had yet been taken to give effect to the National Service Clause of the Finance Act. He had discussed the matter recently with Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward and "the matter would come up for further consideration soon.'' The ministerial statement indicates clearly enough that the national sendee clause is not going to operate until Parliament meets again. Mr Massey gave a qualified undertaking to that effect when the Bill was before the House last month.

Regulations under the clause may make their appearance presently. But the Acting-Prime Minister will not have an opportunity to confer with the leaders of the Government until they return to New Zealand after their visit to London, and it is intended that Parliament shall meet almost immediately after their return. Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward intend to gather information regarding national service arrangements while they are in Britain, and it is likely that by the time they meet Parliament, in the beginning of October, the probable duration of the war will be sufficiently well defined to provide a basis for decison as to the extent of natisnal service necessary jn this country.