R.S.A. BADGE CRITICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24226, 19 February 1940, Page 12

R.S.A. BADGE CRITICS

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS’ REPLY «SHELTERING UNDER ISSUE OF CONSCRIPTION ” Strong comments on critics of the R.S.A. badge and on those who passed ridicule from the “shelter of the conscription issue ’’ were voiced at a meeting of the Christchurch Association’s executive. The discussion arose when the subject of persons entitled to.wear the badges was raised. “What I take exception to is this,” said Mr J. S. Chisholm. “ There is a number of people endeavouring to disparage our badge. I have evidence that certain men who joined not long aro are open to ridicule among fellow employees who are either conscientious objectors or who advocate conscription. I do not think the badge should be open to ridicule by young fellows who shelter under the conscription issue. Conscription, as they look at it, is the refuge of a coward. They tell me, moreover, that this sort of thing is very common. I think it’s time we did something. I can tell you it hurt me very much.” Mr M. A. Richards said that as long as these people did not openly discredit the badge it was beneath the association’s dignity to take notice. The chairman (Mr A. E. Haynes)l' am surprised to hear what Mr Chisholm says. I do know, however, that, whatever is being said, we have never before been so respected as we are today- . Mr Chisholm: There is something wrong with the mentality of the people who are making the criticism.