Returned Soldiers' Protest.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 456, 11 March 1919, Page 4

Returned Soldiers' Protest.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—ln fairness to the roamed soldiers of this district I ask you to publish the attached letter, which appeared in the " Whangarei Advocate," as it may help to explain, to those people who wish to know, why returned soldiers are conspicuous by their absence at dances and also at other functions of a like nature. The reason is that the returned men are disgusted at the treatment they are receiving on their return. They' are not even treated with decent courtesy but are even spoken of as something that is unclean. The ladies of the Red Cross have never forgotten " the boys " but they are only a few. What, however, have the profiteers and shirkers done to welcome the men home ? Wounded men say they would rather have been dead in France than to have returned to New Zealand smashed up. As for the Patriotic Fund, which rightly belongs to " the boys" as it was collected for them, when a so'dier applies for assistance he has to absolutely crawl to the Committee, but thank goodness we have a little pride left.—Yours etc " A Retirned Sou>if.r" The following is the letter that appeared in the '' Whangarei Advocate,'' to which our correspondent refers : " Dear Citizens,— Please allow me to draw to your notice a few of the items re tho returning of our soldiers to New Zealand. On the transports wo were stowed like sardines in a tin. Upon arriving in New Zealand waters, after the usual quarantine, it took the military officials seven hours to go through 1200 men. Then, whin wo arrive at the wharf, we see in the distance our " next of kin " ; but who are tho c o on the wharf' The old Military Police, who laughed at us when we went. We could easily do with a little music. Where are all the bands ''. Why don't they welcome us home? Wo went away willingly, we have " done our bit," anl tho least you cin give us is a welcome home. When wo went you sent out your bands, flags were tlying, people cheering, etc. It seems to me that you wanted to get us over to France, but don't want us back. Have we disgraced ourselves, or are you afraid we will beat all the cold-footed leadswingers for the good jobs we once occupied If wo are not wanted in the country just tell us so,„and we will know what to do. Vou'may say the bandsmen cannot get off from work. I landed on 2/2/10, a universal holiday ( Sunday). The Salvation Army sent down their band for about ten minutes.—l am, etc., (Signed) CORPORAL WHITE Takeho,