Brig-Generai Burgess at Papakura.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 476, 28 October 1919, Page 3

Brig-Generai Burgess at Papakura.

Sir,—Several times during the past week I have been asked why the general body of returned soldiers were not represented at the reception recently tendered at Papakura to BrigadierGeneral Burgess. In fairness to these men, and so that no misconceptions may *#be placed on their attitude, I take this opportunity to point out that in their attempt to honour a distinguished soldier, the so-called " citizens of Papakura " saw fit to offer insult to the " diggers " of the district by ignoring them completely as far as the invitation list was concerned. It would indeed be interesting to know what would have occurred had the Brigadier been aware of the position. I have used the words "so-called" in connection with those responsible for the function, and I will now endeavour to justify my use of those words, and leave it to your readers to judge for themselves who constitute the real and true citizens of this country—the men who have proved their right on the battlefields of the empire, offering their services and making their sacrifices without the least thought of personal gain, or those men whose only qualification appears to be years of association with local affairs which are characterised by ineptitude and delayed action, and who, to judge by recent events in the district, cannot even then discharge their civic duties without allowing the personal element to creep in. I regret to say that this is only another instance, and of which, I have no doubt, we <hall have many more in the days to come, of the value placed on the services of those "glorious men" referred to by General Burgess himself, by a certain section of the community, a value which is apprised only when the war is o'er and the dangers past. '• One of the Diggers." Papakura, 27/10 19.