The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1914. DUTY TO THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 287, 2 December 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1914. DUTY TO THE EMPIRE.

11l another column of this issue is published the balance-sheet of the Stratford Patriotic Fund, and it is pleasing to note that cash and gifts amounting to £2203 have been contributed by the people of Stratford. Mr J. B. Richards, Honorary Secretary, is to be congratulated on the statement, and it shows that the people of the district have done well. It must not by any means, however, be thought that enough has been given or that the list is closed. The fight is for freedom and life itself against a tremendously powerful and almost untlrinkably treacherous foe, and no sacrifice that we who stand on the very outside edge of the cauldron o! strife may make towards helping those who are in the midst of tlm turmoil can be too great. It is for every man to say. what he can or cannot afford, and if he deals honestly with himself and his conscience the country will not suffer. There are shirkers doubtless in all lands, and even here there may be some who are not responding to their country's call, either in free giving or yet in offering personal service, as they should be doing. It is certain that the crisis demands practically unlimited monetary aid from New Zealand and from every other part of the Empire. It also needs many more men to fill the gaps in the ranks which red war has made. In New Zealand the demands for volunteers for reinforcing our Expeditionary Force still urgently call, and we are sure will not call in vain. Our district has given some splendid examples of patriotism and self-sacrifice and it will give yet more. The call to duty will not pass unheeded.