PATRIOTISM AND POLITICS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22431, 18 June 1938, Page 20

PATRIOTISM AND POLITICS

to th'b'emtob or th» pr»m. letter of your correspondent, "Let Us . Remember," . published in your journal of recent date, calls for some comment., His remarks concerning the National Party are mere balderdash. The ancient Great War, which-ceased 20 years ago, has to be resurrected by your correspondent in order to attack the National Party. 'Keeping the war alive is a form-of madness with a lot of people, who are evidently under the impression that war service is the only way-in which one can serve his country. At no time has the. National Party tried to create an impression that it was only the sons of the wealthy from this Dominion who gave the greater service in the late ancient war. New Zealand had no option but to be loyal; need more be said. The Expeditionary Force was promised if wanted at any time, and the establishment was laid down in the session of 1909 by a Liberal Government.

Your correspondent, too, does not appear from his letter to know much ; of the effort Of this Dominion when he mentions Flanders mud only. Troops from the Dominion were en- ! gaged in active warfare in two other campaigns and a non-combatant section (wireless troop) in another quarter for more than two years. To adjust our differences In political thought Ifet us confine ourselves to politics and let the war remain where we left it 20 years ago. To say that the Prime Minister is the real predecessbr of the la.te Rt Hon. R. J. Seddon is a mere travesty; it is,simply Gilbertian, Regarding the singing of -the National Anthem at political meetings, your correspondent has been in the doldrums bn such matters. If he wishes to refer to back files Of newspapers he will find that this anthem was frequently sung at :the late Mr Seddon’s political meetings years ago. Criticism is welcome at all times, but it should be at least truthful and not distorted'.—Yours, etc 1 J’ EX-SOLDIER. June 17, 1938,,