RETURNED SOLDIERS IN

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21581, 18 September 1935, Page 6

RETURNED SOLDIERS IN

BELIEF CAMPS so tHB bditob or Tkz russ. Sir, —To-day the returned soldiers are perhaps the most tragic figures In the great army of the unwanted, Even before this slump they were finding it increasingly difficult to hold their own* against the fit and younger wen in the fierce struggle for existence. Now many a returned man is suffering from lack of food and clothing, and the utter hopelessness of life under so-called relief. The unmarried returned soldiers, with other single men, have to exist m isolated camps far from the comforts of life; which they, .deserve.; This - is a description received from the Manawatu district. •• . . . ■ ■ A cold, wet southerly, which had raged for three days, had just about spent itself, water w&S lying everywhere and the biting wind sent one to shelter. The light was fading as ■the, men trudged; into .camps. Many "carried firewood. All covered with mud, they silently dispersed to their 10 by eight tents, which served for bedroom, recreation room, drying room. ! For three years these men tsenjsshJtTss

on boots, clothes and the human body. For two years these men: earned up to 10s a week, equal to about 35|d an hour; but they were found ifi food and sheltex*. Now they.are earning 15s. There is no recreation room or place even to dry wet cipthes inthe camp. ■ ■'■•'■• - /-.xi Naturally wonders if this is the reward for fighting for-King and country. If it is, I think many would rather have died oh the battle--front. It looks as though war is a futile attempt to bring peace for , ever. If money can be found for war, why, in the name of God,, cannot it>be found to live?— Yours,'■ etc. /:i \ <3 fc, R. BEAtoSLEY. September 14, ,1'935. - , ;i