THE MILITARY SCANDAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 147, 22 June 1901, Page 2

THE MILITARY SCANDAL.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Permit me to express through your valuable paper my opinion on the above affair, which has happened in Wellington. It was a most disgraceful affair, certainly, but what else can you expect when men have to sleep in mud and be half starved to the bargain? I consider volunteers have a lot to put up with. Oo the authorities look upon our defenders as an army of creatures devoid of any feeling? Why could they not have seen that those unfortunate volunteers in Newtown Park had sufficient to eat? If they had it would have saved all this rumpus. I do not wonder some of them refuse to go to Christchurch. It is "once hit twice shy" with them, and Ido not blame them. Men offer to lay down their lives for their country, and they are treated like dogs in return. It seems that Colonel Penton used some strong language to the men when addressing them; but I doubt if the colonel would like to have slept as those unfortunate men did, in the slush and mud, soaking to the skin, and then have to eat halfi cooked food. Then^ again, why not have allowed the volunteers to go into to town to witness any of the ceremonies? It is a most unfortunate affair, and it is to be hoped such a thing will never occur in the colonies again.—I am, etc., A VOLUNTEER'S WIFE.