TARIKI TROUBLES.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 January 1918, Page 3

TARIKI TROUBLES.

To tlie Editor. Sir, —Tariki lias loomed largely in the limelight of publicity lately, and not without cause, but tliere arc other matters 'besides motor-car accidents that agitate the ininds of the Tarikians. The Patriotic Committee here have accomplished a lot of work that entitles them to every consideration, but it is not consideration they want, hut rather a better control over the enlistment and alien question. The trouble with Tariki lies in the Slipshod manner in which the Defence authorities conduct their business Some months back a family of four had two of the sons drawn under what has been styled the "shirkers" clause. None had volunteered, although all appeared eligible. The one in camp has put in several months there, and now has been granted Ifyve, and instead of being at the front (his place) he is back in Taranaki assisting with the home work to allow his strapping brother to proceed to South Island harvesting, at the nice sum of 2s Gd per hour. I might mention that two of these men have married within the last thirteen months. The second instance: A soldier was granted leave to return to Tariki. to assist on the farm of an alien who has live nephews in this district, two of whom have been sent home from camp without any reason, a third is waiting to enter camp (only to be sent back again), and the remaining two are not old enough. Theßo men are receiving excessive wages, and we think they should have been called on, without leave being granted to a soldier (who is courting one of .the daughters). The third instance is the case o'f a First Division reservist, who was balloted and appealed on the grounds of public interest and hardship, his case being adjourned sine die. There are three married brothers in close proximity to the parents, one being farming on his own, one share-milking, the third assisting a farmer with two men already on his place. Contrasting these "let-offs'' with the treatment meted out to the Hamblyn family naturally rouses the ire of the Tarikian. Presently a batch of Second Division men will lie leaving for -amp, and they and their friends are | wondering if this sort of distinction is : T "imr to continue. Tariki has already •worded" the War Relief Association rc>f.irding why alien sons sent to c.mip are allowed tn return to the farm work here, and probablv they (Tariki Patriotic Committee) will want to know something further about the why and wherefore of the instances quoted.—T am, etc., DISGUSTED. Tariki, .Tan. -20. 1918.