PENSIONS AND POLITICS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16265, 16 July 1918, Page 8

PENSIONS AND POLITICS.

TO THE EDITOR OF "iHB PBESB." Sir,—Permit me to thank you for your sub-leader on this subject. Although the resolution, "That it is essential that all questions relating to pensions should be kept free from party politics," is novel, in that it was first carried in the House of Commons, the sentiment is not novel so far aa prominent men are concerned. Months ago, Sir James Allen, addressing our soldiers, urged on them the absolute necessity of refusing to ally themselves with any political party or faction. This is exactly on all fours with the resolution referred to, and if I remember rightly, Sir James went on to say that they (the soldiers) were offering, and many of them had paid, a higher price for the liberty of New Zealand than could be bartered for the favour of any political party. These are brave and fearless words, and I have on many occasions quoted them to soldiers, both individually and collectively. I only write, sir, because on starting to read your leader I hoped to see a reference to the man .who is the pioneer of the until then unexpressed determination of the people of New Zealand to see that our soldiers are not dragged at the chariot wheels of any unwarworn political person or party.— Yours, etc. J. B. LAURENSON. Christchurch, July 15th.