Boy Scouts’ Training

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30959, 15 January 1966, Page 12

Boy Scouts’ Training

Sir, —Mr S. O. Field, Commissioner of the Scouts, replies to Mr L. W. Reid’s letter (“The Press,” January 10) about their military activities with a denial that these are militaristic. He claims that such activities are based upon situations in which New Zealand boys may find themselves, and lists (among others) “defence treaty military obligations.” Leaving aside for the moment the plain fact that activities in fulfilment of military obligations can hardly be anything but militaristic, would Mr Field please tell us which treaty obliges New Zealand to go to the military aid of America in Vietnam? If, like so many other people who should know better, he cites 5.E.A.T.0., would he kindly give us the precise clause? —Yours, etc., SARAH CAMPION, Secretary, Peace for Vietnam Committee, Auckland. January 12, 1966.

Mr Shastri’s Legacy Sir, —May I endorse the suggestion of “India’s Hero” that our so much more fortunate country should do something to relieve the food shortage in India, in the name of Lal Bahadur Shastri. What more fitting tribute to one whose unenviable role it so often has been to urge his countrymen to tighten their already tight belts against famine; who, throughout his own unselfish and dedicated life—even as Prime Minister—allowed himself but one meal a day?— Yours, etc., D.T. January 14, 1966,