DESPICABLE TACTICS

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 32, 20 August 1952, Page 1

DESPICABLE TACTICS

ANONYMOUS ATTEMPT TO SABOTAGE WAR MEMORIAL R.S.A. EXECUTIVE TAKES A'CTION We publish below a letter received. from the Executive of the Taupo R.S.A. signed by all members, enclosing an anonymous piece, of doggerel which is being circulated in the town with the apparent object of sabotaging* the War Memorial Fund Campaign. The verses in quefetion have beven typed, and carbon copies taken for distriSution. It is with considerable reluctance that the TIMES gives further publicity to this anonymous circular. It is felt, however, that in the best interests | of public decency and fair dealing a mean trick of this kind should be exposed, and its authors publicly discredited. The Executive of the R.S.A. has taken legal opinion in this matter, and has been advised that the verses in question are quite possibly libellous, and therefore actionable. It has further decided to call a full meeting of the R.S.A. to go into the matter. The Executive's letter and a copy of the verses follows: — The Taupo R.S.A., Taupo. August 16th., 1952. (To the Editor). Sir, » We, the undersigned, on behalf of the executive of the Taupo Brancb R.S.A., wish to disassociate ourselves with the enclosed incorrect, cruel, and anonymous lines which have been circulated in Taupo, and which have gone to people in Taupo who have lost loved ones in both wars. W e would ask the author of these lines, if he is a returned soldier, to once &gain be a man, and come and meet the executive when they will be pleased to give him the true facts. We are, etc., (signed): — J. D. Swan, President; W. L Morris, vice-president; C. E. Baker, vice-president; W. L. Fulljames, vice-president; J. Greatorey, secretary ; G. Patchet, treasurer; B. M. Armstrong; H. B. Rickard. TAUPO R. S. A. Hark the Dogs are barking Our ColoneTs in dismay The Town Board's star is falliBg' To crush the R. S. A. To bluff the Taupo people All hope has passed away I hear the bugle sounding Long live the R. S. A. tUsurper's may be Christians "Who" gave the funds away Heavens gates they hope to enter When the White horse comes their way. Your sons who lie in foa-eign lands White Crosses mark their graves If they could speak they'd clean and keep and save the R. S. A In shrouds still stained in mud and blood They'd mount that mound of clay And curse their weak ktteed brothers Of the Taupo B. S. A.