PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES AND PATRIOTISM

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 300, 7 September 1918, Page 8

PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES AND PATRIOTISM

Sir,—Throughout New Zealand; in'all towns and in all villages .there aiq patriotic societies, men and women who are taking a keen (interest in all natters pertaining to ourisoldiers and their welfare. It has struck me,that perhaps this army of workers tako too narrow a view of their power for good; that the scopo of ~thoir operations might bo broadened. Looking up the word "patriot" in my dictionary I find "patriot: Ofto who truly loves and serves his ifatherland." Now, this love and serving of fatherland (or motherland, if you.so.wish), does not or should not confine itself to serving in war or only in war time. . There is anjmmeiise body of people,, practically all our 100,000 soldiers, and very many of their families, who arc really and truly patriotic. I should calculate that there are 250,000 irien and women of New Zealand who truly love their country and arc prepared to work together for their country's good. Their efforts are principally, practically, totally directed to soldiers and soldiers' welfare. Is there any reason why this army should not direct its efforts to efficiency. For instance, would it not be right for tho advisory board of our patriotic societies, which really is the cabinet of patriotic people, r to ask themselves whether it is their business to see that flio Defence_ Commissioner's report is duly considered and given effect to in the very, obvious i reforms that are pointed out in that report to bo necessary. Tho delegates io the Advisory Board represent a really active body of patriots, and H seems to me that, they and their subsidiary boards might well see that anything that makes for efficiency is the business of patriotic societies. They could easily be a great power for good; in tfact, no body of people in this country aro as well united. I can quite understand that the old fetish of party government might bo the cause of many disagreeing with' patriotic societies going into this work, but I am distinctly of opinion that it is in their scopo of operations; in fact, if patriotic in spirit ns well as in name, it is their duty to press forward any roforms that aro for the good of the country.

I believe that tho war has given all of us a great lesson; it has tavght us to bo less selfish and more charitable. If it has not, thon the lesson of tho war will bo lost., I cannot believe that after tho' war people will relapse into their old, selfish, narrow views, moneygrubbing and money-inaking their only end. Our soldiers who liavo gone away to fight' come back broadened in their" views; they do not regard fino

phrases as necessary, but do regard fine work and true work as the tes« of good citizenship. I hope to see the professional politician relegated to his natural place, which is beyond the pale. I hope to see statesmen arise whoso thoughts are not whether it is oxpedient to take a cortain course, but if it is the right thing, irrespective of votes that might be gained or lost. I feel sure that many, of the so-called "working class" would appreciate men of that spirit; men who do not hesitate to enunciate their views whether they are popular or not. I. hope to see patriotic societies take this attitude, and .so instruct their delegates to the Advisory Board; they have all the organisation necessary, and it merely wants to be directed' to that course to do a great and lasting work for tho welfare of this, ''God's Owii Countryi"—l am, etc., G.