WHITE FEATHERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1364, 20 February 1915, Page 4

WHITE FEATHERS.

AND THOUGHTLESS GIRLS

IN CHRISTCHURCH CITY. Soon after England’s declaration of war against Germany, a practice sprang up amongst the English girls which was calculated by them to assist the task of recruiting, Young men were accosted in the street, and asked if they had enlisted. If the answer was “ No,” the ladies took upon themselves to pin a white f.'.athe,' to the unfortunate’s co questions were asked as to lc ability of the young man to w. kt up aims in the de'cuce at his country, nothing w-" .ni-.v his affairs in private life ohis physical condition. Ir. -t. of -his, he was .’.uVied a coward without question. The 'jnsisLr.j, of recruiti; is uudcuoicaiy a meritorioiv; ’’"irk i: it be nr>-P\' taken by the aisC .rrtcd through with di-c.etion. The task mast not be undertaken by the immature o: ihf person vbo acts before he ot she thinks

Happily, the “ vlr*-? leather ’ practice has hot crept into New Zealand to any great extent, but there is at least one incident in Christchurch in which a man was wrongfully judged and cruelly treated by a band of no less than five thoughtless girls. Two brothers were working in an office ; one engaged to be married. It lell to the portion of the one unattached to enlist, and be lingered for two months in the city to complete an examination. In that time be received five white feathers from girls of his acquaintance.

Another case is one in which a man who had applied for enlistment was rejected, and he, too, was upbraided. Each of these feathers sent is a symbol ol disgrace to Christchurch girls. Probably 50 per cent, of the white feathers thrown at the heads of alleged recreants are sent by girls who, in this land remote from the troubles of war, are enjoying life in the usual selfish way, and they are asking men to lay down cheir lives to retain their selfish enjoyment. Still, the subject of recruiting must be faced, and it must always be an unpleasant task which requires an infinite deal of tact. — Christchurch Star.