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New Zealand Listener, Volume 6, Issue 156, 19 June 1942, Page 8

To The Editor Sir,-In the latest issue of your paper, both in your Edit@rial and your feature article, you have made some endeavour to prepare the public for a situation which is bound to arise with the influx of thousands of overfseas soldiers. In dealing with the social and entertaining side of the matter, I fear that there may be the possibility of overlooking what may well prove to be the gravest problem of all-the age-old problem of sex. As you pointed out in your Editorial, soldiers have been soldiers ever since nations first began to fight, and have lived unnatural lives. At the same time they are also human beings, with God-given instincts. the question is, how are we going to face up to this problem? Are we going to bury our heads in the sand, and try to persuade ourselves that there will be no sex problem, or are we going to encourage these soldier cousins of ours from overseas to marry our girls? Why not? Let us not suppose that these brave men are vultu: just out to way-lay our women. I firmly believe of them, as I do of our own men, that the majority are clean, upright, sttaight-living chaps-many of them prepared to live a life of celibacy for the sake of someone they love at home. At the same time we must face the facts of human nature. We expect our soldiers to show great courage in the fact of death. Let us therefore, on the home front.. chow that we have the courage to face

realities.

REALIST

(Hastings).

Sir,-Your article "What shall we do with our soldiers and sailors?" has been discussed with interest in my family citcle. May I make a suggestion? Many of us would be glad to show the same hospitality to men from overseas as has been shown to our men in England, Egypt, and Canada. I suggest that an organisation be formed with the idea of arranging for overseas men on leave to visit private homes in different parts of New Zealand. An appeal through radio and newspaper would, I feel sure, bring a quick response. A small committee com of Americans and New Zealanders could deal with letters offering hospitality, and arrange visits. As a country dweller, I realise that lack of benzine would hamper the entertainment of our guests, but there may be men who would en a few days on a farm and quiet home life. We should be glad of the opportunity of getting to know them and perhaps strengthening the bond between our two countries.

Z.

(Hawke’s Bay).