THE DEFENCE ACT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3434, 11 September 1913, Page 5

THE DEFENCE ACT.

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY’S

INVESTIGATIONS,

[PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM] CHRISTCHURCH. Sept. 10. At a meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery Revs. J. Mackenzie and C. Murray, who 'had been appointed as a commission to inquire into the working of the Defence Act, had no specific report to submit. Mr Mackenzie expressed himself in favor of compulsory physical training and voluntary military service. Regarding the lads in military detention at Ripa Island, he expressed the opinion that they were being well treated. Rev. C. M. Murray said that there were two periods in the history of the lads on Ripa Island. He maintained that at first they had not been properly treated, but admitted that at present they had no complaints to make regarding their food, and general treatment. He could not, how-, ever, see what good was being done by committing these lads to Ripa Island. They would, not drill. The Defence Act could not be enforced m their case and they were merely living at the expense of the country. Speaking generally, he was entirely against militarism, which, was not in accordance with the teachings of Christ. A brief discussion ensued, but no action was taken in regard to the matter.