CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1917, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

•LEST WE FORGET." To the Editor. Sir.—Since I voluntarily accepted the role of soldier, my knowledge of civic affairs has appreciably declined, but not my interest, therefore before embarking for Europe I trust I shall be privileged to use your journal for the purpose of directing public attention to the lack of adequate provision for the future of returned soldiers. Speaking to many returned soldiers, I have found them almost invariably grateful for assistance spontaneously granted by the patriotic associations representing tho people who contribute for a definite purpose; but it has been represented to me that the machinery for Defence administration when expected to operate for returned soldiers is almost invariably clogged with red tape, and that therefore the benevolent efforts possible through patriotic contributions, instead of 'being supplementary, are really essential. So far as I can see, I would suggest a Board of Appeal for returned soldiers, to consist of five members, representing the House of Representatives, Press Association, magistracy, Returned Soldiers' Association, and Patriotic Societies' Association, the board not to have administrative, but advisory powers, and to furnish a report to the House in sessions (or responsible Minister during recess), and the Preso after each sitting. Only hf a clear system of inquiry and readjustment can we evolve a system which will do justice to the guardians of the State. Furthermore, amongst thinking soldiers there is much dissatisfaction concerning the Government's plans, er lack of plans, for the employment of the thousands of soldiers who will return after tho war. If there is any definite policy administered with justice and satisfaction to those who are fitted for rural | life I am ignorant of it. The problem of soldier settlers will require at an early date ample preparation, a broad visioned conception of impending difficulties, and national determination to do justice, cost what it may. It is rumored that the Government relies upon obtaining Maori owned land upon -which to settle returned soldiers. But what of the huge areas of land a? present monopolised by certain pastoralists; much of. which is specially suitable for those small settlements which Sir James Wilson some time ago suggested should be utilised for returned soldiers? If the bureaucratic chiefs of New Zealand think, we will boldly stake , a life for tlie good of foreign legions and their wide domains, and calmly accept a desolate and untraversed wilderness for <jur portion, then, speaking for the more energetic spirits of the New Zealand Army, they are destined to 'be disillusioned. There is t again, the question of how best to provide for the men who do land, or are for various reasons un.fit'ted for employment on the lantf. What steps, if any, are being taken for the teaching of trades to the maimed and partially incapacitated soldiers, of whom, alas, there will he all too many? Wo read of English and French institutions, practical technical colleges,, where returned soldiers are being taught various crafts and industries. Basket making, boot and shoe making, hand loom weaving, book binding, artificial limb making are amongst the vocations for which hosts of French and British soldiers are now being trained. But here in New Zealand, under a pseudo Coalition, Government, purported to exist for greater national efficiency, a policy of makeshift and profl-astination is nil too evident. This should not be, and the sooner this lamentable apathy and lack of any definite, well planned scheme is replaced by a well ordered activity in providing ways and means by whicli a very serious problem of paramount importance can be solved, the better for the powers that be. let the people arise a new "recessional"; let them plan and forfend with united spirit nnd noble purpose saying '"We must give honor and justice to. whom honor and justice are due"; lest we forget.—l am, •«tc, RFM. JAMES SARGENT. Trent ham 1 Camp, June IS.