MERELY A HELPFUL SUGGESTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 246, 6 December 1940, Page 4

MERELY A HELPFUL SUGGESTION

IT is rather unfortunate that a leading article appearing m this paper, which was intended merely as a constructive suggestion for the consideration of the Home Guard Committee should be so completely misunderstood by the newly appointed chairman. The BEACON, in putting forward a scheme whereby members of the Home Guard who were willing to do so, could assist themselves towards better physical fitness by co-operating with district farmers during the harvesting season, was. simply following the practice and the privilege of every newspaper in the world (other than those under control) and for the exercise of this right we have no excuse to offer whatsoever. Indeed* we have yet to learn the demerits of the suggestion in view of the admittedly vague period. ahead. However the chairman in directing his remarks to the 'press' makes it necessary for us to respond. We had no intention of belittling the activities of the new army or garrison soldiers who if they can be fully occupied, during the immediate months ahead-should •naturally be devoting their time towards military training proper. The gesture we suggested was merely one of- goodwill from one set of Home Guardsmen to another, who were experiencing serious labour difficulties. Tlie 'Boy Scout' term which we understand has been used in its connection, though it does not answer the case, scarcely detracts from its merits and we have yet to hear any real reason why the scheme could not be put into force as a purely goodwill gesture. Though it matters not one iota to us, whether the suggestion is adopted or rejected, we feel it encumbent upon us to make our position clear and at the same time, of offering whole-hearted co-operation in future with the Home Guard movement, in spite of any slight differences of opinion which might arise from time to time.