CAPTAIN SIMSON’S OUTBURST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 69, 20 November 1915, Page 2

CAPTAIN SIMSON’S OUTBURST.

[To The Euixoxi tSTKAXEoui) Post.]

Sir, —I have just read a most enlightening speech, delivered by CapStain Simsou, at the Riccartou Racecourse on Saturday, and 1 think many thanks are due to you for printing it iu your widely-read paper. 'f he speaker has some capital ideas, and told us many things we should not have suspected. He told us that the stewards of the races were responsible lor the crowds ol people who were piesent witnessing the races instead ol being at the trout. Of course, if theie wore no races at Riccartou last featuiday, all the people who were there would have been at the front, no one doubts that now that Captain Simsou has told us. Rut everybody could not know that, not having been told ol it before. If the race are preventing recruits going to the front, and if the suspension would stimulate military ardour, why not close every and all places where people are in the habit 'of congregating—the picture shows, and sideyards. It stands to reason that if the races are obstructing enlistment, the saleyards must also obstruct. People only attend saleyards in order to buy a few cattle or sheep, things they could easily do without. I should like to ask Captain Simsou a very serious question, which I am positive he can answer, because he is so full of original ideas. Hoes he think the races are really the cause of so much luke-warm patriotism for which Now Zealand is conspicuous? l s that the reason why New Zealand has only contributed about -10 per cent, mote in proportion to population than any other country, not excepting England herself, to the army? And would the stoppage of all race meetings induce our young men to join in still larger numbers? If it would, I would suggest that Captain Simsou propose the closing of all the churches and chapels, theatres, music halls, concert and auction rooms, and do the thing right. Hoping Captain Simson will consider my suggestion seriously, so that all our boys can go to the front instead ol only half believe me, yours anxiously. PATRIOT. Strathmore, November 19, 1916.