TARIKI TROUBLES.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 January 1918, Page 8

TARIKI TROUBLES.

To the Editor. Sir, —Under tlie above heading your correspondent "Disgusted" has, evidently discarded common decency, and plunged into much dirty water, with the object of turning the public gaze in the direction of some of our boys who, through no fault of their own, have been rejected by the medical boards as unfit for active service abroad. Had "Disgusted" been writing without bias, common honesty would have compelled him to state that some of these boys had enlisted before the Military Service Act came into force, and.had been turned down as unfit. But no; he prefers the insulting phrase "Shirkers' clause." "Disgusted" also unfairly says that one boy was sent home to work, on the farm, while a brother is down south harvesting for 2s 6d per hour. If "Disgusted" would take the trouble to read the papers, he would see that the men following the occupation of the one in question have been granted leave without pay till March, and, as for the one earning 2s fid per hour—more power to him—he belongs to a highly respected family, whjch is noted for its Upright honesty and thrift. "Disgusted" also takes exception to a soldier being granted leave for the purpose of helping an alien, but common honesty should have compelled him to state that the man in question is undergoing a serious and painful operation at the present time, and his loyalty has never been questioned. But, Mr. Editor, I will not take up any more valuable space in answering "DisgustedV little grievances, but will make a suggestion to him—write facts. I am, etc., ! FAIR PLAY.