ANZAC SERVICE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5418, 1 May 1929, Page 2

ANZAC SERVICE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —May I ask the favour of a small space in the columns of your paper in reply to “Reason” ? The vicar as an “English-trained collegian” expects more moral courage from his Colonial critic than to hide his identity'under a nom de plume. If the puplit, as “Reason” says, is the “Coward’s Castle,” certainly under the circumstances a nom de plume is the coward’s hiding-place. In regard to reading the list of those who made the Supreme Sacrifice, I was not aware it was a partial one ; it was handed to me by a long and well-re-spected citizen in that person’s handwriting, and I was quite under the impression it represented Paeroa’s contribution. For this error lam sorry. I always aim at two things in delivering an address : First, to make my hearers think, which is naturally followed by discussion ; secondly, to try and bring the will into play. An address over the heads of one’s audience can hardly accomplish this. I am glad my puerile address was so well imbibed by my critic even to verbose intoxication. The mention of social comparisons was to show how the days of the war broke down class distinction in the all-absorbing idea and ideal of Service to King and Country. The vicar served in the ranks of the British Army for one shilling and twopence a day, being four years on active service, and at the conclusion of hostilities received a certificate of commendation and thanks for his services from General Allenby’s Headquarters Staff. Perhaps “Reason’s” objections to my remarks about “conscientious objectors” partly reveal his identity, in which case I can quite understand the address being both irrelevant and nauseous. The vicar would like the opportunity of interviewing “Reason” personally to exchange greetings. In conclusion I would like to remind both “Reason” and the readers of the Hauraki Plains Gazette that I’ve received more thanks than criticism for my address. If further correspondence is necessary, please use own name. W. G. H. WEADON, Vicar, Anglican Church.