LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2696, 16 February 1916, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

FEATHERSTON CAMP. Sir,—l have been stationed at the camp at l 1 euthersfcon some ten weeks, and am therefore interested in the information you have recently published relative to tile peculiar sickness that is at present prevalent amongst the soldiers. 1 have also been a sufferer, so what I write is knowledge born of experience. I have just returned from a tew days' sojourn in my home in Lawke s Bay. Xaturallv, when asked the question as to how I had fared whilst in camp, I have had to describe my experiences, and amongst others, that associated with dysentery, gastritis, enteritis, or whatever it is that lias oeeu the matter with us all. It is generally believed that water is the cause. Iho evidence that I have gathered during the last few days seems to indicate that it is not the water that is the culprit, for 1 have heard' soveral say, both m Hastings and in Napier, when telling them just how it had affected me, "Oh, I have suffered just like that." seems to prove to mo that instead of FeatJicrston being treated with aa epidomic of (I will tell you what it is when doctors, who generally differ, agree), it has only been one of many placos that has been visited with a kind of English cholera.

I :writc this for two reasons: First, because those who know my flame will understand me when I 6ay that I am very jealous of the reputation of the Works Department), ivhioh has done its best to provide amongst other things pure water; and second, because I would like to give a little hope to the fathers and mothers of the boys who a-Te in camp, who would naturally worry when they heard what was happening to their sons. I don't think any of us need worry, AH wo have to do is to "wait till'the clouds roll by," or, in other words, until the heat wave has spent its course, and I think we shall find that the complaint will pass with it.—l am, etc., FLEWELLEN KING. February 14, 1916.

Sir,—la ail issue of jours last week you say: "The Hon. J. Allen states that 120 men paraded for sick parade at the new Featherston camp," or words to that effect.

Would you be surprised to hear that the number ©yas nearer 700 than 120? And for the week the average was nearer 400? I am afraid the Hon. J. Allen's information is not always as accurate as it might be. Has the Defence Minister any idea as to the amount of drunkenness going on amongst the 6oldiers at Fea'tnerston, Tauherenikau, and Greytown? If not it ia high time that hi? attention was drawn to the fact. Cannot the Defence Minister see, or does he not understand, that drunkenne&s saps all discipline and makes the men unlit for worlc? Is the brewers' influence to be 6Upreme throughout ? Have we no strong man to arise and awake the country?—l am, etc., FACT.

PRAYER AND VICTORY. Sir, —If you will allow me another letter I will not trouble again. I was only prompted to write because I felt that in these days, when men are earnestly striving after the highest spiritual truth, it was a pity to see tho Christian position put as it was in the letter o£ tile Bth; and 1 am sorry to add that tho letter of the 12th does not make one feel' any easier. The difference, I think, between us is that tho writers of these letters, as it seems to me, carry up our limited human ideas to the Divine Presence, instead of going into that Presence empty-handed to leai;n the Divine will. Their assumptions vex. Passing by tho statement that the Allies are "not getting the victory" as unduly pessimistic, I note the following assertions: .(a) That "the cause of the Allies is the cause of righteousness." (b) That "a righteous cause should 'i (i.e., I suppose in the Eternal order of things) "got the victory," and that "the reason tho cause of righteousness is not so succeeding is because the nations defending and championing that cause are not sufficiently worthy," and

(c) That "earnest, widespread prayer would make the Allied nations more deserving of reaping the victory," etc.

From each of tliese statements I am bound to dissent. Though intensely loyal to our cause as a righteous one, cannot identify it with "the cause of righteousness." Does history justify either of the statements contained in (k); t »> 6 lire thinking here of war, i.o. ctf things on the plane of human af-. fairs. Have the righteous always succeeded? On the other hand, lias not the triumph of wickedness been one of the greatest problems -with which faith has ever been confronted? Has 'r.ot this been one of. tho most powerful arguments for a future life ? And what about the tragedy of the Gospels ? Against (c) I feel in whole-hearted rebellion. It appears to me a debasing of the whole spirit of one of the most saered practices of the Christian faith: a serious misleading of the people: positively mischievous in tendency. No conceivable amount, of prayer could make a people "more deserving of victory" at the hands of God. If we desire victory; let us work for ic.

I really feel those letters do not rest on the true Christian basis. Call us by all means to a "fellowship of nrayer." The situation cries aloud for Tt. Ajid the more widely it is responded to the higher tho j hope of a solution of the present crisis in accordance with tno mind of God. But it must he a fellowship to lift us up in humility and penitence to God to seek His will and the grace to do it. Victory, settlement, defeat -will in prayer fall into the background. We shall, while giving orar last breath for our cause, be content to leave that m higher hands. We want God's solution, not our own.

I will read thoughtfully any reply, but shall not write again. I feel compelled to bear my witness.—l am, etc THE BROTHER. '' February 15, 1910.