RETURNED MEN AND THE E.P.S.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1942, Page 6

RETURNED MEN AND THE E.P.S.

I am a returned soldier from this war. I served in England for six months with the Second Echelon, . later going out to Egypt and doing my bit there, until invalided home minus one ear. On my return home I was placed on a pension of £2 per week, but after some weeks I was informed that "owing to the fact that my condition had not got worse since my return, the pension would cease." Is it fair play that a man who volunteered at the outbreak of war should be converted into a conscript for the E.P.S. by compulsory enrolment on his return from overseas? I looked through the list of exemptions from compulsory enrolment but failed to see anything pertaining to returned men. We who are returned think just as much of our country as anyone, but the very thought of .compulsory service or conscription is repugnant to a man who thought enough of New Zealand to give his all when the call came. My mind goes back to the Auckland Domain on the day of our final parade. Several speakers, including Mr. Mason, promised us everything on. our return, but being consistent with the promises given to men who went away to the last war, we are treated indifferently on our return. EX-GUNNER.