RETURNED SOLDIERS AND THE PRESS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 61, 5 December 1917, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS AND THE PRESS

PROTEST BY THE ASSOCIATION

At a recent meeting of the executive of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, it was decided to protest emphatically against tho practice of the Press in identifying offenders ns returned soldiers wherever possible. In this connection particular reference was made to tho remarks of Archdeacon York, which were in many newspapora printed in the form of an assertion that the culprit was a returned, soldier. In referring to this matter the general 'secretary stated that the attitude of the Pross varied considerably in various centres throughout New Zealand, and the frequent pointed reference to the offender being a returned soldier was probably largely due to the fact that such offenders were likely to have made tho fullest use of their returned soldier status. Tho association was emphatically opposed to any attempt to conceal from the public the real truth in regard to matters affecting returned soldiers generally, but it was strongly of the opinion that continuous references to returned soldiers in connection with offenders were disproportionate to instances where returned soldiers figured more commendably. As an instance he stated that at a recent law examination in Auckland at which 100 candidates presented themselves, returned soldiers headed the list in seven subjects, but this, so far as he know, had passed without comment by the newspaper Press. The present situation appeared to be a reaction from the unhealthy adulation offered to the sol- j dier in tho early stages of the war, but it had unfortunately had the effect of representing returned soldiors in general in an unfavourable light. In connection with tho recent remarks of Archdeacon York, the association deplored the fact that the feelings of tho Archdeacon should have betrayed bim into the statement ho made, but as he had since apologised the association did not wish to press the matter beyond bringing it before the notice of responsible Anglican authorities.