EX-IMPERIAL SOLDIERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 88, 15 April 1933, Page 6

EX-IMPERIAL SOLDIERS.

May I be permitted the courtesy of your columns to align myself with "Ex-Imperial" and utter an emphatic protest against the extravagant and unfriendly language indulged in by the heads of the Dominion Ex-Soldier Fund trustees at their recent meeting. _ Responsible gentlemen should not be so ridiculous as to claim that £8000 spread over 20,000 men for 15 years constitutes a "Dominion problem." On a. per capita 'basis we all seeni to have had exactly sixpence, and I am glad to see that we have been such a small drain on the Dominion. I question very much whether any other organised body of inhabitants have been so forbearing in seeking "backsheesh" from some eource or other. Tlwt there are more ex-Imperials in New Zealand than New Zealanders in Britain may oc accounted for by the fact that (1) there were 70 Imperials to one New Zealander enlisted, and (2) that the New Zealand head office in London told attractive stories to ex-Imperials as to the "marvellous prospects," etc., out here compared with staying at Home in an admittedly overburdened labour market. I cere'ly trust the heads will make inquiries in England on our behalf. Even i? the "Tommy soldier" was no good, kicking him "down ana out" 12,000 miles from Home comes with JJ I grace when his—the Tommy's—Government has quite recently becvi quite generous one way and another in mueh. larger sums than £8000. ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS AND ROYAL FLYING CORPS.