VOLUNTEERS WHO HAD TO STAY BEHIND

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 191, 8 May 1919, Page 8

VOLUNTEERS WHO HAD TO STAY BEHIND

Sir,—One cannot help smiling at the attitude of mind some people adopt. Hera is one who signs himself "Soldier," though "Chocolate Soldier" would surely have been more appropriate. This man is complaining in your columns., -Ho complains bitterly. He is consumed with envy. He reviews.Ms own strenuous past —in New Zealand—and compares it with that of those who went to Gallipoli, to I'ranee, to Palestine, to all tho theatres of where life, while it lasted, was not quite so comfortable as it is here. All the rights and privileges accorded them on their return he demands for himself. Why? Because he was a volunteer who stayed in New Zealand, kept back "on account of special qualifications to instruct, etc., etc." We know this type well. Returned mon, sent back to. instruct, know, too, the species, and gauge it at its exact value. Usually tho contents of a little fed' book comprise the sum total of knowledge. If "Soldier" had suggested that he should receive special favour on account of the intelligence he 6howed in managing to stay, behind in this unruffled land while continuing to hold an enviable and lucrative position under the Defence, he would deserve praise and admiration, but when he complains of 'the want of consideration on the part of the'authorities n'vt Jack of recognition of his valuable services,. then one can only repair, to some quiet spot and be unostentatiously ill.—l am, etc, ' DIGGER,