CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1915, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE NATIONAL PERIL. To the Editor Sir, —That the letter purporting to come from one who objected to your leading article on the above subject should nave been taken seriously by some of your readers is in itself remarkable. One would have thought that a moment's reflection would have told them that if any young New Zealander—and lam quitesuro such a one could not be found felt really as ''Subscriber" wrote he would never be permitted to advertise his sentiments in the public press. In my opinion the indictment of "Subscriber's" letter against young men who have not enlisted is< unwarrantedly severe. Admitting that it is their duty to respond to the national call to arms, are those that don't respond readily altogether deserving of the opprobrium showered on them from all sides? Are they the only shirkers? We have amongst us people now-a-days who look askance at the single man of military age but the married and over ago or over fat, they pass. The worst and largest class of shirkers to-day in this Dominion are to be found among the middle aged (though many of them don't like to be considered that) men. Thousands of them say, 'TJ go like a shot, old man, but they wouldn't take me, don't you know, besides, dash it all, who's going to look after the wife and kids While I'm away?" Born and bred in times of peace and prosperity they have had all the 'best of life and still understand the art of having a ''good old time." "Young man," they say; "answer your country's call, go and fight for (my) freedom! This is your chance; go to Gallipoli and hunt for glory! Don't be a shirker!" And the young men have gone and are going, many of them have won glory, many have paid the price. And the middle-aged ones? What are they doing? Are the golf links empty? Are the theatres and picture shows closed? (Don't miss Bun on the Fristol, old man. it'll tickle you to death.) Are the bowling greens in oats? Are the bars deserted? Is the billiard marker out of a job? Is trout fishing off? No, but this continual call for patriotic funds is getting too solid altogether. If it goes much further there won't be enough left for the Xnias turkey. The young man shirker is getting lonely, he's not enjoying life a bit, but the middle-aged ones —lots not middle-aged at all, only married —they're all right, having a decent time; they herd together; they neither fight nor pay; nobody points the finger of scorn at them. They ain't shirkers! Oh, no! Young man, your King and Country wants you, and remember, the sooner this German menace is slathered out the better for you and IKIRAT.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Just a few lines in your valued paper in answer to the letter appearing in Saturday's issue, signed "Honor to Whom Honor is Due." As regards the error as to "Subscriber's" letter appearing on Wednesday (and not on Saturday), that is of very little moment. "Honor to Whom Honor is Due" says that if "Another Subscriber" wishes to thoroughly convince readers that he is not one of the "iron bark pumpkins" Ithat are left he must explain how we can deduce suiy other meaning from "Subscriber's" letter. I would say that if "Honor to Whom Honor is Due" lias I such a dense intelligence that he cannot that "Subscriber" was hitting at the unpatriotic shirker and waster, instead >of taking his part," it says very little for his ability to understand such writj ere as ''Subscriber." who, I would wa.<j« lis equally as patriotic as "Honor to Whom Honor is Due," and any of the others who tried to brand him aai a waster. You, too, sir, as well as myn<l;', must be of a somewhat dul' understand ing, in the opinion of some of your correspondents. Soap and water and elbow-grease, I do not think, would be of much use to "Honor to Whom Honor is Due." Something more p.itetit that would act quickly on the brain vould be better. It is perfect lv clear nr.J plain, both to yourself, Mr. Editor, and also tn many of your that "Sub tcribers" letter wis <\ very strong protest (although written in a. somewhat subtle strain) against the real unpatriotic shirker and waster who is doing nothing to help the Empire in the present difficulty and peril. However, opinions differ in the case now under review, as in many other things.—X ,im, etc., ANOTHER SUBSCRIBER.