The Chronicle PUBLISHED DAILY. LEVIN. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1915.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 18 December 1915, Page 2

The Chronicle PUBLISHED DAILY. LEVIN. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1915.

NAUIOAAL .SERVICE LEAGUE i'Oli A T EW ZEALAND From Mr I°. N orris, of Masterton, The Chronicle is in receipt oi : a circular letter advocating the formation of a .National Service League. The letter is printed in another column. A -pla.uk in the plat-form of the league that appeals to The Chronicle is that "which refers to the desirableness of helping returned soldiers to regain t-heir old positions in the civil world. Tliore is a groat risk in odd oases that the moral obligations upon the emiployer will be avoidedi, and to meet odd cases of 'this bind >a National Service League would be of groat assistance. For this reason we see no serious objection to the proposal to make military ''rejects" eligible lor membership; their personal influence ■would be of material assistance in maintaining a sound public opinion as to the rights of returned soldiers; for the mere fact that the "rejects" showed their patriotism b,y volunteering .for active service would be a predisposing cause for kindly aittitiidles towards returned soldiers. Apa/t from this ground, however, The Chronicle thinks it would be well not to stress unduly tlie claims for consideration by those who have been rejected for military service. It is a very odd case wherein such rejection has entailed loss of worldly advantage, and <t<> put rejected volunteers on the same piano as men returned From aotivo service would be wrong. Certainly the inteJition of the men was the same to begin with, but the actual fighter must o'ortop the would-be one, who is in tflco position to tJiat of a- meaiiiber of Parliament in comparison with an aspirant rejected at fcTio polls. Itf the proposed National Service 'League proves wise it will reserve its badge for men possessing active service records, and give rejected men a minor proof of membership, such as a certificate.