CORRESPONDENCE

Horowhenua Chronicle, 1 June 1915, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE

[Our correspondents' opinions aie their own; the responsibility of editorial ones makes sufficient ballast for the editor's shoulders.! (To the Editor.) HALI--CROWXS REQUIRED FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS. Si',—l would like through your columns to make a strong appeal to every, individual in the Horowhenua County to do what he or she can to help the fund for our wounded soldiers. .Do not let any slur rest oif us as to our loyalty and patriotism during these strenuous times by withholding our support if we can possibly give any. It may bo necessary for each or all of us to make sacrifices; then let us make them cheerfully and willingly and remember that in doing so we are going to benefit those- men who have already at the Dardanelles, made a name for themselves and for all'lNew Zealanders that will be remembered for many, many years to come. Are we worthy of their courage, devotion and selfsacrifice? Surely not, if we do*' not absolutely Assure that those who arc. returning wounded, or who leave dependents behind them unprovided for, shall never know want. How many parents have sent their only «>n, and how many more all their eligible sons already? What will they flunk of us who have not gone or who are not eligible to go if we hesitate now to make the smallest sacrifice to provide the assistance that will be, needed for their support in future years. ReniemthiK, that many of our men will be maimed for life and will not, on their return, be able to earn what they could before J;hey went, entirely owing to disabilities incurred during their Service on our behalf. So 1 would like *o say to those who have already given, if you can (and winch ot us cannot) give again and keep on giving while you are able and while it is necessary to do so; and to those who have not yet done so I will say, i\ew Zealand expects it of you, and if you airworthy of her you will do so. I am going to propose, Sir, that' a fund be opened to collect in Horowhenua County 50ft) half-crowns. This, it successful, •would bring in £625, and would giro nearly all the chance .to contribute within their means. Mr Kirkoaldie's fund will attract the large donations; this fund, I hope, will attract all. 1 am enclosing with this a 5 which will account for 40 half-crowns as the nucleus of this fund. In conclusion, let each of us do our share according to our conscience. Some may think that others among us could do more, but, remember, none of us know how much is being given anonymously, and very few know the actual resources of their neighbours. If you and I give what we can and keep on good terms with our own conscience, we are not required to judge our fellows, and if we do so, will, in many cases, do them a serious injustice.—l am, etc., A VERY HUMBLE NEW ZEALANDER.