POLITICS AND THE WAR

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15289, 27 May 1915, Page 10

POLITICS AND THE WAR

TO I TTK. EDITOR OF "THE PUESB." Sir, —The thanks of all patriotic citizens of the Dominion are due to you for your timely leader of Monday, the 24th inst. It i« deplorable at this time of national crisis that those whom wo have regarded as leaders of Imperial thought and aspirations cannot lay aside their petty political, differences aud party squabbles to join in ono great and common effort to help the Empire through the present crisis with which it is face to face. Time was when we used to look upon Sir Joseph Ward (his politics notwithstanding) as a great Imperialist, but how sadly have we-.been disillusioned by his present attitude. Within a few hours of the decision of the .Judges of the Bay of Islands case being delivered, we have the spectacle of this great Imperialist rushing pell-mell to the northern extremity of New Zealand to select a candidate and start an election campaign. Sir, how much honour and admiration could he not have won from the people of the Dominion had he hurled politics overboard and taken the platform throughout the country on a recruiting campaign, or on a campaign in the interests of the fallen soldiers' dependents' funds? Thus he would have proved that his patriotism was sincere and real. I am positive that if .Sir Joscpn had utilised his spare time (for he mu«.t find much spare time on his hands, being -i man of moan s and leisure) in touring through New Zealand amongst his wealthy friends, lie could have easily organised a very substantial fund for a patriotic object, such as 1 have mentioned. Why is it, Sir Joseph that yon cannot rise above the pettiness of party, and emulating the attitude of Bonar Law, stand side by side j with those who are working hard day and nis-bt in their efforts to help tbe Empire by their administration of tiie •iffaits of the ■Dominion? I am sure the D*'foiice Minister and the Defence authoriti'-* would be glad of this help. Take a hint. Sir Joseph, and do something worthy. Our mothers, .vivos, an.! kiddies will need much help and consideration in the future, if we. whose patriotism makes us rally round the Fla-i (and we doom it an honour and privilege to do so), should nnvpr return. Drort your petty political squabbles and do something to heln so that we who are soon to deport from these shores, perhaps for ever, may go with an easy mind, secure in the knowledge that those we leave behind wi'l never want, but will be well en rod for.—Yours, etc..

CANTERBUriY "RECRUIT Trentham Camp, May 2oth.