NO “HOMIES” WANTED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26634, 3 December 1947, Page 9

NO “HOMIES” WANTED

Sir. “ True Kiwi" has the superior outlook of an ostrich when after running round in circles, it sticks its head in the sand. May I ask him how did he get here in the first place? Maybe he still believes that we sprang from a cabbage tree Where would ..we all have been if the first “ Homies "—the early pioneers -had not risked the voyage. ihd the Maoris who were at war in the north to settle this lovely land and make a home for us all? My parents came from Scotland in the sixties, and the trouble with New Zealand to-day is we cannot populate the country with another 500.000 Homies” of the same class. Who was it but “ Homies with tne bulldog breed of good old Tommy Atkins who manned 1 the little ships to Dunkirlc and went through hell to save the Englisn Armv? May 1 also remind True Kiwi of the fact that the same awful tragedies as Ballantyne’s fire were happening every day in England during the blitz and the “ Homies ” came up again full °f hSht 1° ° Ur ShOrCS Unton AcV

Sir,—Our thanks are due to your correspondent “A True Kiwi ” for epitomis ng so brilliantly (every word, including the nom-de-plume, clearly indicates the writer’s taste, restraint and intelligence) the attitude of those few who are rapidly gaining this Dominion the reputation of being the spiteful, petty, spoilt child of an indulgent Motherland. —I am, etc.. Anti-mug.

sir—The time has come when the use of the word “ homie" should be given UD —it may seem a small matter to some ancTcertainly the vast majority of people in England and New Zealand have no feeling of resentment ij any Englishman is appointed for a job in New Zealand, or vice versa a New Zealander obtains one in the Old Country But surely, when all should be striving to go further and promote international friendship in these unsettled times, it is very wrong for a Small majority of British to keep up antagonism between New Zealand and England. The terms "Homie.” ” pommy, - Huri ”. and " Roinek ( Red-neck, used by’ the anti-British in South Africa) should never be used. We all want peace, and nothing should be done to promote ill-feeling.—l am, etc., Logic.

Sir —1 notice that " True Kiwi " wasn’t game to put his correct name to his epistle, and judging by the tone of « 1 am not in the least surprised that he emitted to do this. If he is a typical Kiwi I am pretty sure that the British peop e intending to settle in this country would be only too pleased to stay at home, even though it meant a few more years under verv trying conditions, because they would at least be assured of friendship and respect from their fellow men During the war years the so-inferioi ‘ Homies were kind enough to take the New Zealanders into their homes and shared their meagre rations with them, and apparently this is all the thanks they get As an English bride I am pleased to say that all the people [ have met here have been friendly and ready to help in any way and I trust that my British pals here and myself will be spared meeting such folk as “ True Kiwi.” Incidentally, I would love to know what exceptional qualities this person possesses to warrant his rating himself so far above the folk back home.—l am. etc.. M. G. Gale.