HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR IS DUE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10284, 20 May 1919, Page 6

HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR IS DUE

(To the Editor "X.Z. Times.) Sir,—ln reading the report of General Richardson's speech in the Town Hall, I could not help being struck with one remark he made as being unique, when ho referred to the fine physique of oui boys. He said he did not know what our higher physique was due t.>, l.ut ho thought tho credit belonged to our system of compulsory training. i>ow, sir I ask what is the use of training if you have not good material to tram.'' Surelv, some credit is due to their parents "and a genial climate. I well remember, as an immigrant, landing 44 years ago, one of 400, a sturdy band who had to pass a strict medical test before being accepted, and, when lauding, our faces resembled bo many glowing red lanterns —not a weed in the whole lot. We were a cargo of proletarians, with muscles developed. What a contrast to the tourists and bourgeois who fill the saloons of our steamers to-day! We had on board a large number of fine men who had left the Royal Irish Constabulary (the late Mr P.'Garvey among them). With thousands of such colonists, what could wo expect but fine soldiers as a result. With apologies to General Richardson, and thanking you in anticipation.

R. C. NOEDL.