SOLDIER AND CITIZEN.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1870, 2 October 1913, Page 6

SOLDIER AND CITIZEN.

"You will not extend your rights by shirking your _ duties." These words which occur in Lord Roberts's birthday message to the nation are especially addressed to the artisan class of Great Britain, who have been urged by the Socialists not to perform military duties in war time; Taut they may be read with interest and profit in every part of the Empire. That rights imply duties is a principle that has a civil as well as a military application. There are only too many people who are quite content to accent as a matter of course all the privileges _ of citizenship without giving anything back to the community in the way of service. Everyone cannot be a member of a public body, but there is such a thing as public spirit, and it has opportunities of manifesting, itself in many ways. It can show itself in a keen interest in all civic and political affairs, in giving enthusiastic support to proposals for the general good, in personal service when necessary, m protecting city or' national property, and in numerous other ways that help to' make and keep public life healthy. It is all summed up -in the term "public spirit." . Lord Robekts is himself a splendid example of what a citizen and a soldier should be. After so many years of faithful service to |;he Empire he might long ago have passed into well-earned retirement; and yet at eighty-one years of age ho is in the midst of a great campaign, with the object of rousing the people of Britain on the question of national defence. He has nothing to gain for himself, but •he feels that he owes a duty to his country, and he is to do it. His message is indeed a stirring appeal, but the man himself is more inspiring than any words however eloquent they could ever be. Thousands of admirers in all parts of the Empire are hoping that he will_ live to see his efforts crowned with success by the establishment of a citizen army in Britain. ;

Auckland's telephone exchange system is being extended at tho rate of about 70 new connections a month. There aro now about 4600 connections with the old board and 200 automatic numbers.