Dear Sir

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 8, 26 January 1942, Page 4

Dear Sir

Letters to the Editor must be clearly written on one side of the paper only and where a nom-de-plume is used the name of the writer must be included for reference purposes. * The Editor reserves the i>Rhi to abridge* amend or withhold any letter or letters. SERVICE TO COUNTRY

Sir, —Now that married men have been called to serve their country and Empire and many homes are being broken up there is a question on the lips of many—perhaps in particular of those wives who will have to relinquish their homes, sell their belongings and seek a means; of supplementing army pay or eke out a lonely existence in lodgings.

What is wanted is an explanation of why so many single men Jsiave seemingly evaded the ballot. Some it is known are held against their wishes in tasks essential to industry, while others are unfit but others, it is equally well known, are deliberately avoiding service either in the guise of conscientious R.bjectors or by diving into holes. Every appeal court finds, amidst many genuine cases, others where by telling a "cooked up" tale the wool is pulled over the eyes of the committee presiding. And still they get away with it.

This district as in others has those few who blot the splendid patriotic record of manliness and attention to duty generally enjoyed locally. Conscientious objectors are still at large enjoying a handsome reward for their labours and nfay be seen unblushingly attending places of pleasure and generally fully enjoying life. Also alleged farm workers svho have only evinced a keen interest in the land since war broke out are noticed by the neighbours* who perhaps struggling short handed owing to loyal employees or family members having joined the colours, resent strongly the fact that such men dodge their obligations by the pretence of being necessary on the farm. There are such cases, and m this district too!

Is it any wonder that wives and parents who are to make a sacrifice and, in most cases willingly do so, resent seeing such shirkers enjoying the best of that which the men in Uniform at home and overseas are? striving to protect and maintain, and is it any wonder that soon the Minister of Manpower will receive a demand that all with an obligation to their country shall fulfil it. Yours etc., VOLUNTEER.

PETROL RESTRICTIONS If Sir, —Why is it that while many cannot obtain petrol for important business purposes and have thus lost their means of livelihood pleasure buses can run. Only last week two buses ran from Matata tk> take peo-» pie to the theatre in Whakatane. I do not suggest people should forego all pleasure, but surely the petrol used could have been put to A better advantage in industry. Also it; does not seem right that N.Z.R. buses should go beyond/ the rail-, head. There is no necessity for these to run right through to Auckland. - . It is time the Government had the position better organised. Yours etc., NO GAS.