In Answer to the Call

Horowhenua Chronicle, 15 June 1915, Page 2

In Answer to the Call

A correspondent of the Glasgow Herald gives some am uting specimens ofthe answers evoked by the Householders' Recruiting. Circulars. If tihere he one feature more outstanding than «r uother in the character of the replies, he says, it is the spirit of the women. Courage, patriotism and sacrifice are writ large on hundreds of tonus. "■Sorry 1 have no more left, only little girls; but thank God, I have no shirkers in my home." One can imagine the tone in which that mother would speak the word shirker. Another form show® a husband and four sons enlisted, a note being added as follows: "Dear Sir,— I wish I had another five- to send. God •ave the King." The following con tains a complaint quite beyond the power of the committee to rectify: "Only ~SL widow, oldest son not yet 15, but will give him freely, if of any use. Once was proud my eldest was a girl. Now never was a mother more vexed with her lot. However, if youi get a battalion for women none will oome forward quicker that I. Not too old at 40. Bravo, Ivitohener." Yet another woman writes: "Ten years a widow with many a hard fight to bring up a big family," have given six eons, but I only wish my girls were boys. I would give them, too, before I'd let out little bit of country be beaten." Frankness is the characteristic of others; for instance: "Not being able to get a man for myself, sorry I cannot provide one for King George." Time was when to many good people, the British Army was known only as a Useful dumping ground for such member* of the civilised population as were unlikely to become efficient citizens. That the fiction lingers still may be gathered from such extracts as these: Am SB, too old for you, but I have a grate lazy hulk of a brother 31 who will not and cannot do a day's work his bite ia 5 feet 11 inches and his chest 40inche»; he is the sort you want. Plees send tor him, you will find him at—Or "111 is is a note to let you (mow I think I have one of the most selfish husbands ever was put on earth. It is the snld* iers he is needing for a while to take some of the selfish ways out of. hiu>. Hoping you'll oblige." m what re»» peet is the widow to be who wrote. "My old man tooflfehe wise plan; he died before the war Hk and no family." ' •V"