VISIT OF THE EMDEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 15 July 1929, Page 6

VISIT OF THE EMDEN

(To thju Editor) Sir. —May L raise my voice in dissent from certain ideas expressed in "Jl.F.'s" letter in Friday night's "Mail'" referring to tlio visit ot the Eindcn. .The "dignified at.tjtude"; of certain Maoris referred to j is right <'/:oiigh froin the heathen point ot view, but it is not christian: The teaching "Forgive your enemies" is not a. vague moral precept but is based on life itself. As said the Buddha: "Hatred ceaseth not at any time by hatred, but hatred ceaseth by love." If w a by our resentment or lack of friendliness carry on the illfeeling left by the war we are placing ourselves in the same category as those who caused it and are working towards another outbreak. To those who' study deeply with an open mind and an appreciation of divine justice there is no doubt that all tho nations involved in the great war shared in its responsibib ity, not by talcing part but by having had a share in its cause. All suspicion, hatred, anger, e tc, are forces released on the. inner side of life and act on those to whom they are directed, and of course have their reaction. It would be a great pity to add to the already too great amount of ill-feeling in the world by acting inhospitably to our visitors, many of whom may have had little or no share in either causing or taking part in the war. If we are a Christian people we will'.remember what we are taught as to who is our neighbour, and show a genuine Hospitality. As to the return of the German colonies let us try to look at the question from the viewpoint of fairplay and justice, putting aside as far as possible our own feelings and considering those uf the great German people and mora particularly the desire of those who would have to pass from one flag to another. If the people involved objected 1 should say that settles it no matter what the Germans should say. Justice, I understand, is the keynote of the English people. Let us try to live up to it.—l am, etc., G. E. T. Nelson, 13th July.