THE SECOND DIVISION AND MR WILFORD, H.P.

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3135, 13 July 1917, Page 6

THE SECOND DIVISION AND MR WILFORD, H.P.

Sir,—l here are few women whose husbnmls belong to the Second Division who will not tace the cruel parting if it becomes essential to the safety of the Empire to do so. We are. pleased to see from tho assurances of tho Prime Minister and is colleagues that the position will he reviewed in the immediate future. My object in writing to you is that a few words which fell from the lips of tho member for Hutt should not at this juncture carry too much weight. In your report in Saturday's issue Mr. Wilford became indignant at the Minister of Finance for saying that we might shortly have to consider how much further this country can go in sending more men to the front. Mr. Wilford exclaimed: "Does that mean that my boy, who has been there three years next month, has got to stay there' whilo all th" others stay at home?" They are many women, myself among' the number, who have sons at tjie front row who sailed with tlie Main Body. Ijko mo there ai-e plenty of othes whose husbands are eligible in the Second Division. Although we freelv let our sons go there are few if any of us who do not dread to think of losing our husbands.

Both my sons—my second sailed with the_ Fifth Reinforcements—have written saying they hope my husband will not "o My boy who went with the Main Boily does not seem to think that lie is entitled to any earlier relief from his duties than those who left with the Second Reinforcements or even later. He is thankful, as other.? in the same circumstances should be, that as a Main Body man lie is still sound and well. I enclose regimental addresses to enable you to verify my statements.—l am, etc., SECOND DIVISION WIFE.