VOLUNTEERING

Horowhenua Chronicle, 1 November 1915, Page 3

VOLUNTEERING

(To the Editor.) fciir.—The giatuitous references by -i Mr Holdaway and a "Union Jack,' re a letter of mine previously published has come uuder my locus to-day. 13otii correspondents, as critics, ilave~imssed their vocation; evidently in collusion, and off at a tangent. W.M.E. is second to none in esteem and respect lor any returned, soldier who has suffered in the war zone. He never hits b<Aow the belt; malice, hatred, indications oi a nan on' mind are foreign to his nature. I plead guilty to having high ideals in every day especially to those bearing on health or spiritual predominance. 1 endeavour in lovu oi' country and of Uod to think imperially. But lam ''rough on rats'' (that bounder type ot biped who endeavours under a lacial mask to counterfeit true manliness). This war, although an anathema, wfil i believe prove the best school for our young manhood, not only by seeing and reeling the contrast of lesser blessed lauds to our own, hut that under Ere there is no room for colonial "-barracking" and political bluff, but the 'best must needs come out when there: self discipline and obedience being refrigerating factors; hence the benefit. It is pathetic, very, to see young men returning, wlio by the fortune or misfortune of war are mentally or physically afflicted. Honour to •whom honour is duo, but don't overdo it. The ordinary, brave, quiet fel-hero-worship. Now to the main point in my first letter! On good authority 1 was informed of the questionable conduct of a returned trooper; his name and names of certain young fellows to whom he had tendered advice re enlisting and going to the front. As both correspondents allege they know to whom 1 refer, per- " haps they would question him as to iiis forwarding postal matter from Egypt to a .member of my family (both presumptive and impertinent). The name was endorsed on the envelope; their protege must prove identical. Further, avoidl'iish and ■niaut'lin sentiment; and if a person has been maligned and has come from the firing lino he needs no jjrosy'to refute. There is too much parade, ostentation, frill and flag-waving. And now, in conclusion, 1 beg to say to them that it is both, probable and possible that at the period I was engaged (under active service conditions) ' in the Aegean Sea, in Egypt, also m South Africa, eith jr ot you were in your first pants or being brought up on tho bottle. Please insert this small quantity t mild and fragrant into your usual smoke halo, and then pipe it.—Yours, •tc. r ".-:. y W.M.F. 1 -■/.• LeviUj October 3Dfch, 1915.