CORRESPONDENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1922, Page 7

CORRESPONDENCE

THE REFORM CANDIDATE. ... (To the Editor.) Sir, —In reply to Mr. S. Vicker’s remarks at the Farmers’ Union meeting at Omata, and "A Country Reformer,” as president, of the New Plymouth branch of the Reform League I beg to state that what these gentlemen suggest the executive should have done was exactly what was done. A general meeting was called by circular ot all the branches, and as many as possible of the town and country supporters, for the purpose of considering several proposed candidates. It was at this meeting that the executive were empowered to approach Mr. Bellringer and endeavor to get him to consent to contest the seat in the interest of the Reform Party, with the result that is now already known. —I am, etc., A. E. WASHER. New Plymouth, April 19. THE IRISH IN THE WAR. (To the Editor.) Sir, —I have read, mainly with disgust, the letter from John Diggins, headed "The Trouble in Ireland,” in your issue of April 12. Re his answer tc question No. 1, "Who started the murder campaign in Ireland?” John Diggins says the “Black and Tans.” I always understood that the murder campaign started in 1916. Surely John Diggins should remember that stab in the back given to the Empire by Sinn Fein. They still call it “Black Monday” in Dublin. Secondly, the “Black and Tans” were not in existence even in the beginning of 1919, so John Diggins should make sure of his facts before writing to your valued paper. It surprises me to think that a man can east with impunity such » slur on the forces of the Empire of which the “Black and Tans” once formed a part. This force (hardened criminals, John Diggins?) was practically composed, of ex-officers who served in the Great War, many of them holding honorable decorations. Question 2. —John Diggins states that Southern Ireland jumped into the gap immediately war was declared, and were the first to land in Gallipoli. Surely John Diggins is hopeless! The only Irish who landed at the beginning of Gallipoli were those units which formed part of the 29th Division, 't'his was a regular army division, which had been gathered together from British overseas garrisons. I do not suppose that any man in it had less than 3 years’ service, and I suppose the majority had anything over 7 years. Under these circumstances I cannot see how they enlisted in Southern Ireland when war broke out. Also if John Diggins knew anything about the British Regular Army he would know that the county designation of a regiment does not signify that all the men composing it are drawn from that particular locality. I wonder what proportion of Cockneys there were in those Dubini and Munster Fusiliers of the 29th Division ? John Diggins states that it was these troops who cleared ithe Turks from the coast. I presume that he is thinking of Cape Hellas. Does he know that the 29th Division consisted in part of twelve infantry battalions, of which only two battalions were Irish? Perhaps the remainder of the Division thought they were at a sideshow! I seem to have heard of a place called Lancashire landing, also another one called Anzac! At Loos I understand the 4vth. 9th, and Guards Division did the bulk of the fighting. The only Irish in these Divisions were the Irish Guards. John Diggins mentions the 10th Irish Division in the Balkans. They were on Gallipoli previous to that, and took part in the Suvla Bay fiasco. Does John Diggins know what proportion of these men came from Southern Ireland? Your correspondent also wishes to know what Carson’s Army did during the war. Did he ever hear of the 16th Ulster Division? As I write as one who served against Sinn Fein in Ireland. I presume that I am a murderer too, vide John Diggins. I must apologise for taking up so much of your space. —I am, etc., “ANZAC.” Hawera, April 18.