THE SWISS IN TARANAKI.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 June 1916, Page 3

THE SWISS IN TARANAKI.

A SI'JKITJCD DEFENOK. Mr. Uicbard Zinsli, of Now Plymouth, writes: —ln tliii llawora Star of .Juno 21 (iiiul reproduced in your issue of the 24th iirot.), appeared a letter from a correspondent signed "liritislier." While I liave no inclination to deal with a certain portion of liis statements, I do, on behalf of myself and of those who would sooner suffer in silence than raise their voices in protest, take strong exception to other portions of his letter that I hold to be slanderous and damaging. At a time like this, when the nation is straining every effort to maintain its very existence, it appears to me t > be unfortunate, to say the least, that any individual should use the public press to slander and besmirch peaceful naturalised Hud loyal British subjects. For such is the claim of a large section of the Swiss in New Zealand. A- few Swiss were in New Zealand in the early days, and have lived happily and peacefully under British rule and protection. Some are at the Front in. the present war. while others are assisting, according to their ability, in other ways. Since the war broke out no able-bodied men have been allowed to leave Switzerland. The stupid element of the Swiss taht may be the cause of the complaint landed here but a few years ago. They have never yet learned the language, much less the ideals, customs and habits of the British, nor are any of thorn naturalised. Switzerland, it must be remembered, is composed of different speaking peopleFrench, Italian. Romance (Latin) and German. The friendly neutrality of the first-mentioned three need never be questioned, since the kindred nations are allied with the British ut 'the present struggle. A small fraction of the German speaking portion arc the least neutral inclined, but nevertheless the Government of the Swiss nation ia friendly neutral, and, within its own borders, f am certain Switzerland would not permit demonstrations of hostility nor demonstrations of delight at any misfortune of Britain or her Allies, nor would she bo in sympathy with any Swiss living in other countries behaving in a like manner. Swiss administration has had the respect of all nations for generations past.

Switzerland, like any other nation, has its hoodlum class with its disturbing influences, and if "Britisher's" statement has reference to the alleged sprees of rejoicing over misfortunes that have befallen the, British Army or Navy are true, then I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that some of the hoodlum class have got to Tarana t ki, and the sooner they are brought to their senses the better. Somes Island would be too good for them. I would make them ivork for their newly adopted country as prisoners, if need be, or clear them out altos-other. The correspondent "Britisher" has attacked innocent and guilty alike. He has placed them all on the same footing in loyalty, intelligence, sense of decency and poverty. I would ask any intelligent man if such statements are nat altogether too sweeping, unfair and un-British. They show a miserable conception of any people. 'Poverty of the Swiss in their own country is no disgrace to them. The very conditions prevent them rising or getting out of the old rut. Most of New Zealand colonists came out here more- or 1e99 poor, but with hopes of bettering their position in life So did the Swiss. Can they be blamed for that? Energy, thrift, and self-sacrifice at the attaining of a higher position in life are surety qualities not to be despised in individuals or nations. Let British writers on thrift endeavor to educate the masses to live within their means, and, if possible, put a little, on one side for a. rainy day. No man in New Zealand, or out of it can by virtue of his energy and self-sacrifice attain to anything without a corresponding benefit to the nation by services lendercd in the payment of war or other taxes. The greater his possessions the greater his responsibilties and his taxation. In the face of the fact that noarly every civilised nation of any consequence is allied with Great Britain in this strugle, ghow can "Britisher" justify his idea of expulsion of what h* terms "aliens." Intermarriages and the education of the offspring on British lines are going to produce the same national asset and advantages that it has produced in Great Britain since the days-of the cave dwellers.

I hope this'somewhat lengthy letter may cause ''Britisher" and others simi-larly-minded to look at the Swiss question in its proper perspective -and with unprejudiced minds. If they do, then the Swiss will get the treatment they desire and expected hefore coming to New Zealand —British fairness and justice. They wish for nothing more.