THE GERMAN MENACE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 114, 16 May 1916, Page 2

THE GERMAN MENACE.

PROTEST AND APPEAL.

UNDESIRABLES IN NEW ZEALAND ARMY. HUNS* FAR REACHING SPY SYSTEM. A member of the Women’s AntiGerman League writes to the editor of the “New Zealand Times” as follows. In to-day’s paper we read that “the the front-line trenches the Germans moment our men entered a section of opposite held up a banner inscribed: ‘Welcome to the Australians.’ ” We then hear of the welcome. “The ground rocked with the detonations of the various calibre high explosives, etc.” What a proof of the marvellous German spy system. The Germans knew tlie very minute that the Australasians entered the trenches that they had arrived. Every thing is we know, the effect of a cause. These effects that are striking us now are the result cf what? Years of work and research on Germany’s part, years of training in colleges financed b y Germany for this purpose, to perfect a spy system so wonderful and so subtle that our greatest efforts are paralysed by it and brought to noth-

mg. Then we read also that: “An Eng-lish-speaking officer, disguised in an Anzac uniform, attempted to deter the Australasians from obeying the order to retire, calling out: ‘This way, boys, the Germans are coming.’ ” How did this man get into cur trenches? Very likely he travelled with our bpys, as so many others have done. Does net 'this again show the folly of allowing Germans to join our army. A latelyreturned officer, when addressing the rcldiers at the camp mentioned, as proof that spies were amongst them in the firing line that no matter at vlmt time cr by what route a relief oarty came on duty, they were sure to bo fired at with deadly effect. One of the Westmacott family serving in France informed a member of I the league that he had met amongst the German prisoners in France Germans whe had been naturalised Bribh subjects and had travelled over with the Australasians to Egypt, and had then deserted over to their own :eoplc. We trust that seme strong measures ..■ill be taken now to prevent tjiis wicked obstinacy on the part cf the Defence Department—this insane desire tc cram naturalised Germans into the forces in spite cf public opinion. With the 13th we bear several Germans are leaving—Lieutenant Krause and Bollinger; also Captain Hotop, etc. Why should this be? Have those in power no pity for the aching hearts of the women here, the women who have so bravely sent their men to fight in this terrible war? No cue but a fool could trust a German now! Yet with all the experience we have had cf their treachery they are still to be sent with our men to the front. The members cf the Stock Exchange in London have decided to exclude all German members, whether naturalised or net, and the Masonic Lodges have also turned the Germans cut. Yet the New Zealand Army provides them with commissions and other honours. When will some courageous and patriotic man appear in the political arena and show the Government their duty in this matter? A strong man and a fearless leader is badly needed in New Zealand; we i want a W. Hughes here. I The Germans who live in our midst j have given us a moral anaesthetic and lulled us into a sense of false security, just like the legendary vampire is supposed to send his victims to sleep before it sucks their blood. Is it. surprising that all we do is known to the enemy, when under existing circumstances German consuls remain at liberty amongst ns trading ' in our towns, and naturalised Germane; leave with our forces O! wake up, New Zealand, and drive the enemy from your army, commerce, and schools!