RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 309, 29 December 1915, Page 7

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I am sure lam voicing the opinions of moßt Aueklanders when I say that 1 read in to-night's " Star" tbe account of the treatment of two returned wounded soldiers in the tram with the utmost disgust. We would all very much like to know the namo of the " citizen," that we might let him know what we think of him. I for one would be only too proud to give up my seat to a returned soldier—and have always thought that they should ride free in our trams, trains and steamers. I am a shareholder in the Tramway Company, and would gladly give up some of my dividends, if necessary, in order that the men who are ready to die for us should travel free. And if it is true that sol, diers in uniform are only allowed into second-class carriages, besides having to pay full faro, why, then I say it is a disgrace to all of us who are staying comfortably at home. As for tbe Devonport Ferry Company, surely they are wealthy enough to allow free trips to the few soldiers who are able to travel on their boats. I hope someone will move in the direction of trying to get these concessions.—l am, etc., AN AUCKLAND WOMAN. (To the Editor.) Sir, —I read in your paper of Tuesday I an account of what is, to my mind, a disgraceful incident in a tramcar. It is considered the duty of a gentleman to give his seat up to a lady, but I should like to point out that it is not a bylaw, and a man can please himself whether he does or not. No lady has a right to demand the same of anybody, but may accept it as an act of politeness. Seeing that Privates Wachner and Ross were wounded men, 1 think it is shameful that anybody should try Lo debar tlicm from a scat, even for the wife of a man of " importance" in the city. I should like, to remind Mr. Importance that the soldier is the important man to-day. The man of mere city importance must take a back seat, and a long way back at that.—l am, etc., G.B.