THE CALL TO ARMS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2480, 5 June 1915, Page 6

THE CALL TO ARMS

WHAT OUR READERS THINK CROSS INDIFFERENCE. (To the Editor.) Sir, —Two distinct classes of people may have been seen wending their way along the streets of Wellington to-day; one class making for the races, tho other for the Carnival. Surely there is scope to spend money and raffle ad libitum at the Carnival, with this advantage, that the money is to be devoted to some truly loyal cause. This is indeed a serious time; a tinio when our liberty is at stake, and when the nation should be fasting, yet thousands of pounds pa6s through the totalisator, whioh money would do no end of good for another cause. It is appalling to see train loads of people off to the races, spending tlieir money there. How can these men indulge in such a pleasure while their fellow men aro away fighting, suffering, and dying for their freedom? It may be that these men aro medically unfit, or that circumstances hinder their enlisting, but they can at least play their part at home. Surely this state of affairs should be prohibited. It is gross indifference, inhuman, and severely selfish. It is to be hoped that this class of persons will teko this to heart. —I am, etc., FEATHERS. "VETERAN" AND HIS CRITICS. (To the Editor.) Sir, —From the tone of the replies to "Veteran" I think he has hit tie mark. To find so many sympathisers with "Young New Zealand" (a misnomer— true " i'oung New Zealander" is in aotion or in training), and the amazing candour of who wants to shelter behind tho old men is somewhat appalling. How about tho babies? I would blush with shame to have my men express such opinions. Shame on tho manhood of New Zealand if conscription comes in force. 11l that instance "Fair Play" and his many friends would have a chance of proving their worth. Shame on those holding br.ck. Have they no sense of the heavy responsibility resting on them? foil they not realise that those who took part in tho taking of Samoa mean a strong protection to us? That those fighting elsewhere are keeping our snores free from a brutal nation? "Young New Zealand's" friends and sympathisers are lacking in, a sense of patriotism and duty. I warrant they will boast_ New Zealand's share when peace finally oomes. Already I know one who has mended his ways, and, strange to say, was not over-weight when he consulted the Recruiting Officer —the # cap fitted, so I hope many more will change. Wo all know the price of war in blood, and the flower of our manhood, so young man don't stay behind unless compelled.—l am, etc., BACKBLOCK WOMAN. June 3, 1915. NO SINCLE MEN NEED APPLY. (To the Editor.) Sir, —Of lato, in tho "Wanted" Column, some concerns hava stated that "no single men need apply" for the vacancy they require to fill. May I ask if these concerns intend using their privilege as employer to try and force singlo men to fly to the colours, to fetter young men, who no doubt are only too anxious to serve their country, yet aro bound by a nobler duty to remain behind and provide for those dependent on them ? Do these loyal, honest concerns mean to infer that because a young man, who through some trivial defect does not pass the stringent military test, is not worthy of tho vacant position? Sir, thousands of young men whoso duty is at home, read these advertisements and wonder why their fellow countrymen are forsaking them in times of such need. If these employers intend trying on their own initiative to institute compulsory service in this country, not only are they doing themselves a great wrong, but they wrong the country that gave them nationality. Is not this move of a few employers a veiled threat that they mean to try and compel young men to enlist? If so, they outstep tho bounds of citizenship. They take the law into their own hands. They think to themselves, "I am my own Parliament!" Young men, simply because tliey do their duty, are going to be debarred from progress, thus affording n.ore able support to those depsndent on them. "But" these concerns will tell you, "how do wo know that the young men will not come to us and say they aro going to enlist? Is it not then far better to employ none but _ married men?" If an employer conceives such an idea, and' advertises it, tho general public will take the advertisement and the advertiser for what they are worth. Suppose only married men are accepted for a position, how does the employer know when even the married man may feel it his duty to servo his country at the front? In such momentous times as these, sacrifice is demanded of all true New Zealanders. Our brothers are defending us in the battlefield, grim and bloody. They are fighting for those at home. They are fighting for the very employers who refuse to fill a vacancy witn an unmarried maa. Sir, in the face of all argument, such words as "No single men need apply" appear to stand undefendable. our.g men who read such advertisements will place a black mark against the nanics of such concerns, and when they seek to better their position they will turn to tho employer who knows his duty as a true, patriotic New and who is not afraid to face his obligation to the country which gave him freedom.—l aU1 ' etC '' YOUNG MAN.