LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3091, 23 May 1917, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

HOME SERVICE AND ALIENS Sir,—Can you inform myself and other readers as to the status of men declared by the Medical Board as "fit for homo service"? Do the Defence Department claim any of these men for immediate work? Or are all tho "homo service" jobs being done by men who volunteer for this branch? Also, can you inform us whether alien subjects (not necessarily alien enemy subjects) come under "home service" conditions? For instance, in our little town there are men who should bo in the First Division. They are good citizens, and apparently honest tradesmen, but they are not in the First Division list of men to bo balloted for. In. other words, they will entirely escapo tho ballot. Are they to be taken for home service? If not, it amounts to this: Nearly every tradesman in the town of Pahiatua will be called on«to serve either abroad or for "home 'service." Shops and businesses will be closed, or left to the tendor mercies of shop assistants and so-called "managers." But (a big but) the alien fraternity will bo called on to make no sacrifice (or will he?) He will stay and build up his business, whilst the Britisher will be either fighting for him in France, or doing "home service" in camp or fort. In other words, is there, or is there not, a niche for the alien apart from the present funk-hole he inhabits as a non-balloted man? In view of the early coming of the Second Division ballots, and on behalf of the friends and relatives of many who have given their all, a reply from the editorial chair would be much appreciated by,—l am, etc., "HOME SERVICE." [Reservists who are classed as fit for home service only remain at the disposal of the Defence authorities, and may be called upon to render service when required. The number of homo service men far exceeds the present requirements of the Defenco Department, and the authorities have called for volunteers to fill vacancies arising. Men not enemy aliens, but of alien nationality, are not British subjects, and do not come within tho scope of the Military Service Act. They have no obligation to render service in any capacity.]