BADGES.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2754, 25 April 1916, Page 6

BADGES.

Sir, —ln this morning's paper I saw a letter signed "Badgeless, but No Shirker," and as njany people are under tlie impression that 1 wrote tho let-' ter to which he refers, I wish, to tell him and others that I did not do so, and that for men like himself I have no scorn, but rather an infinite compassion and respect. I realise that they show even greater courage by remaining than do those brave men who go out into life's more ' exciting battle, while bands play and the world applauds. I do know that it is far easier to go than to stay. In my humble opinion the -young man who stands by his_ widowed mothe.r and his young or delicate sisters deserves a badge How, and I am quite certain-that he will reap his reward some day. I have always maintained that there should be only two badges, one for returned soldiers; the other for men who, for any Teason, cannot eo. I know the writer of the _ original letter, and that her patriotism has "shown itself in many good' works, and I am absolutely certain that her kind heart would be the first to sympathise with any man who is cruelly misjudged. I feel sure that she, forgot that married men find single ' men with dependents have no badge.

Most women believe in because it takes from the individual the cruel responsibility of malting his own choice.'• In ordinary war time ,the widowed mother's eon would he ordered Ito remain at home hv a nation which ' has conscription, as its law. This is no' ordinary war. All women are malting the supreme sacrifice now, and the writer of the original letter has done all in her power to help soldiers, and I am confident that she will agree with me in saying that the best way- in which women can help recruiting is by "visiting the widows and the fatherless, in their affliction," and by showing to all their-sorrowing-sisters'sucli loving sym-. oathy that men will go out..with braver hearts, knowing that their dear ones will never be neglected. In conclusion, may I add that she who wrote that first letter is among those "who weep with those who weep."—l am. etc..

A. MAY L. FABFIELD. 18 Hill Street," Wellington.