§ MR. FRASER MACKINTOSH (Invernessshire)asked the Secretary of State for War, Why John Cameron, Seaforth Highlanders, Fort George, N.B., born 15th August 1869, and enlisted in the year 1886, is not discharged, in compliance with his father's request, and according to the Regulations of the Service?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle), in reply, said, that the soldier referred to was 18 years of age. His father knew of his enlistment within a few days, but took no steps until three months had elapsed, when he claimed his son's discharge on the ground that he was under age. The young man had just the physical characteristics of one 18 years of age, and he had stated in writing his wish to continue in the Army; and in these circumstances he was held to his engagement. There was really no statutory limit of age below which a young man could not be enlisted. The essential point was that he possessed the physique corresponding to the age of 18.