Shirkers and the National Reserve.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 56, 14 July 1915, Page 4

Shirkers and the National Reserve.

1 TO THE EDITOE.I Sir,—Under tnis heading a correspondent has been Riving his views on a subJKton which, to my mi;.d, he has a very superficial knowledge, and, further, who is he to judge of another's circumstances. Ycur correspondent construes the constitution of the Reeerve in such a way that he would hsve your readers believe that it encouraged young men to join it instead of volunteering for the front. My experience of one branch has been that it his encnuraged and helped young felbws to get away. Out of 30 members who originally jiincd, this particular branch has sent 10 lu camp. This is only one instance of n.aoy like case. Again, it is well understood and is laid down ij the constitution that rnembeis are to aseial the Defence authorities in every possible way.

Under the heading "Duties" the constitution leads:—(A) To join a combatant unit for service in the field, to carry out combatrnt duty in garrison or other fixed lositiuos, or perform administrative work; and (B) to lend their sympathy and ■ assistance in all movements dealing wiih Dominion defence, by actively supporting the same and by doing their' best to instil into the minds of the youth of the Dominion the fact that it is their doty to cheerfully serve their country. The tact is well known and appreciated that the Keserve is and has been a valuable recruiting agency. So much for the Kcseive. As regards tinkers, your/corres-' pondent cites cases in Papakura and gives an estimate ut how many, in his opinion, should be at the front. Do s he know every yourg man's firmly history, and physical disabilities, or their financial position, that he can make Bucb an unqualified condemnation of them all ? Every young man's duty docs not lead to tbe trenchep. I will cite as au illustration a case which came under my observation lately. A family consisting of father, mother, and three grown-up son? oie mar-li-d and an invalid —sark tbeir savings in a farm which will require the applied energies ot thsm all to pay interest and make a living. Two sons are eluibl i and would like to get away. Both have been trained men. Which duty is the hard.r for thesj men, to fight as they would like, or to stay at the dcudgery of dairy farming? More honour to the men who do their duty as tieir conscience directs. These boys have been sent white feathers by feather-headed, irresponsible perso s, gender unknown. 1 would a-k your readers: Who are the true sfcirken, the men who do their duty, or tha low-down, common persons, who send, generally through tru post, anonymous letters contsinirg whits feathers. It is a well known tact thai these are usually sert by cowards at heart physically, nnral coaards also b:cause they shelter behind anouvmity. So called ladies usually get ih3 credit for sending these liitla "billet djux." To any who are guilty I woulJ ask bow much better employed their tune would be knitting, or otherwise helping tbe various patiiotic works. lam open t) wager no person who ever sent another a white fea'her ever did very much for his King or country. To conclude, 1 would like to state that, from what I know of human nature after an experience of year?, I am su'e that whui the call is sent for men, wi h no uncertain vcice, and not in the haphazard, cor tradictiry way th 3 authorities have been doing, tbe young men cf the country will rise as one and come forward. It is not the young men who are to llama; it is tha system. We have Kitchener calling for more men and still more men. We have cur Defence Minister saying one day they are short of men and a few days aft-r that there are enough registered un il 1916. What we want is another Richard John Seddon who would cpeak with no uncertain voic°, and find ways and mans of sending every available man. I was privileged to hear the Honourable Gentleman in Klerksdorp, S.A., in 1902 on the occasion of Lis meeti'g a New Zealand Contingent. Speaking for the colony he said: "We have eent ten contingent?, and if Britain required them I would send ten more contingents."—! am, etc., A J AX.