CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 103, 17 September 1912, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

WHAT NEW ZEALAND REQUIRES. To the Editor. Sir,—Although reluctant to take, part in any controversy through the press, I cannot help but give my expression of opinion for such men as your correspondent, Mr J. Sellar. As you will know by my signature enclosed, that I am a German, bred and born, being six months old when my parents left Germany, but I am pleased and proud to state I am now a British subject, safely nestling beneath the wing of the Union Jack, of which we of foreign gxttaction ar(j all justly proud. It would do Mr Sellar good if lie tried some other' country, Germany for - instance. Twelve months' residence there and lie • wouldhaye learnt to appreciate th'e 'good land in which he'is now living. He would not have been given the latitude of'ventilating his views on this question through the press. Then if he wanted to leave the country lie would have to get a permit, with a likelihood of being recalled in case of war. My father served in'the reserves during the Franco-Prussiarii War and when he «ame to New Zealand' he joined a volunteer corps and was quite willing to defend these shores against Germany or any" other nation, I 1" have served four years in one of the best mpunted corps in the Dominion, and in time of need will serve another four. The general feeling of the other nationalities is that the British Government is too lax with the passive misters..; They are not (it subjects of such a great natioii as ours. The little compulsory drill which, the Government required of . the Voung men of this country is chiid'§ playin comparison with what is .required :of the young men of other and any young men who. refps ( e this; small duty "should be ashamed of being called men. I am, ets.,-v-

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