The Australian Defence Bill was introduced in the Commonwealth House
of Representatives on Tuesday, and ts in form a series of amendments to the Act of 1903. It provides for compulsory training as follows :—
" For cadets from twelve to eighteen years of age, one hour a week and four Blear days yearly in addition; for youths from eighteen to twenty-five, during the first three rears eighteen clear days a year, and during the next five years seven clear days, but recruits for the navy, the artillery, and the engineers serve twenty-eight days for the first five years and seven days for the next three years, Sundays not being counted. At the end of each year's training those not efficient, either because of non-attendance or want of proficiency, become liable to additional training for a similar length of time. Employers hindering or penalising employees liable to serve are fined-100. Persons evading service are disqualified from voting and receiving pensions."
Under the Bill it is estimated that the Commonwealth will get eighty;two thousand men for about £100;000 a year
more than is paid now. Mr. Ewing, who introduced the Bill; said that compulsion was necessary as the voluntary principle had by comm,on consent failed ; but there was a very important difference between conscription, which takes a man away from his home for years, and this wholesome measure for giving a few weeks' Work in the open air. We congratulate the Commonwealth on setting this truly wise and democratic example, and we trust that before long the Mother-country will follow it, and confer upon all youths of British birth the benefits, moral and physical,' of a training. which, should the need arise, will enable them to defend effectively their homes and their liberties.
Previous page
