The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, APRIL 27th, 1923.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, APRIL 27th, 1923.

COMMUXITY RESPONSIBTLITY. Tkk lesson of tho recurring anniversary of Anzae Day is invariably expounded by the speakers who address assemblages in connection with the special circumstance in mind. Anzae Day has become an In Memoriam day for nil those who made sacrifices in the Great War. The community reverently recognises its duty in the matter, and the occasion is solemnly observed. But it is not only to “the mighty dead’’ that our thoughts should turn. Reverence and respect in that direction is fit and proper, and practical regard should he shown, too. by the rearing of memorials which shall be a pillar and a sign for all time standing as a reminder of the splendid spirit of self-sacrifice which the war brought out in the most unselfish way. There are duties too, to the living; and of these some of the speakers on Wednesday were not unmindful. The State readily and liberally took up its important- responsibilities to the soldiers when once again they returned to civilian life. But the State is showing signs of growing weary, and concessions and considerations ace being shortened. Public Interest, too, is slackening. The former TwJinpsa to Mp practically in

many ways is now less responsible to appeals. A weminess of doing good is presenting itself. Vet there i.s as much reason now as at the close of the war to help in a legitimate way those who need succour. The lospnnsibility is on the community, and primarily rests with the people who should require oi the State authorities in particular to discharge those incumbent responsibilities. The pensions nio in need of revision, and as the Government went to the expense of seeking advice, by a special enquiry, the report of that commission should at least lx» published, and any anomalies in the scale of pensions should lie reviewed. Tt is not well that this State function should he left to a cold, formal Department which, invariably, is guided by tbo strict letter of tbo law. There is need tor some elasticity, a touch ol human sympathy impelled by the knowledge of the circumstances which brought about the break down in health. It is easy to put forward oflicial nq o ts on occasions, hut those who have m ived among the ex-servicemen and know their cases, can often feel how utdair those re pi rts are in regard to cases o! ultimate breakdown, which are often said to arise from cases other than war service. No man can have gone through the rigor and strain oi active war service without, suffering constitutionally, and in every case where a breakdown occurs there should l.e the readiness to give the benefit of the doubt and err on the wrong side rather than through a misconception, a greater wrong should be done. Kvery speaker applauds what the nun did in the war. hut wo are suit not any speaker can g' nuinely applaud the shortcomings of the treatment meted out to many of the men, genuine cases suffering from war servile, aiui to receiving effective attention. And for the well and lit men. the country will not be true to its promise when these men went away, if in a public way the community fails to take a public interest in their welfare. There is the matter of employment and ability to earn their living. There is flit' obligation to provide them with a di-Minot centre or headquarters, where tiny may foregather, and keep alive that spirit of emu rdoship which was the leading char ‘ie; intie ill helping to win th<' war. No soldier at the ftont received higher praise than the New Zealander, and gaining such kudus in competition with the millions on active service, surely the men with sin-ll a splendid record have earned a claim to our practical gratitude.' Just new then* it an appeal to the community for a soldiers’ club room in Hokitika. The community owes it to itself that- the appeal for funds should not he in vain.