GROWING RESENTMENT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 29, 16 March 1942, Page 4

GROWING RESENTMENT

THE second ballot for married and familied men, has caused a wave of indignation to sw.eep over the country,, regarding the number of single men who remain untouched by the regulations, and, are still willing to stand by and see others, heavily encumbered, called to the colours while they remain at home. It is recognised that there are instances where single men are absolutely essential in the running of farms, or the maintenance of homes, and we trust that our criticism is not mistaken for those woh have full and just reason for their exclusion. But, there are, even in our own district glaring cases where men are openly flouting the regulations,, and even taking the trouble of voicing their independence to the chargrin of their more patriotic neighbours. These are the men who stand to-day as a monument of the unfairness of the system we now employ. The only cure we can suggest, is for the: Manpower Committee to be given access to local knowledge of these cases, by perhaps a reputable citizen, whose judgment is generally respected. As it is three comparative strangers to the district, cannot be expected despite all.their ability and enquiries to really sum up the true position, when they have only the plaintiff's evidence to go by.