MEN WITHOUT ENCUMBRANCES.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2501, 30 June 1915, Page 4

MEN WITHOUT ENCUMBRANCES.

Sir,—l read with interest an artiole in Saturday's Dominion, signed by a "Britisher." He remarks how Great Britain will require men, and still more men. if she is to achieve final victory in this fierce wax. He further remarks how enlisting in Wellington is fair, but says that many eligible for service, also without any encumbrances, are failing to realise their duty. It i 3 in connection with this last point that I would seek space in your columns to comment upon. In a friendly spirit I ask my British friend: Is a young man, because lie is physically fit, also unencumbered, failing to do his duty because he has not enlisted? There is many a young man to-day in such a position, who would not have to travel far in order to meot with condemnation. But to those who mete out tiiat condemnation, do they know the thoughts- and , higher ideals which are holding many from enlisting? " There is in our midst a certain type of young man who realises he has not only a duty to King " and country, but also a duty to God and noble principles. Such men are not made to enlist by the beating of drums and recruiting posters. ■ In the majority ofcases these same men have viewed enlisting very seriously; have looked into the heart of war, with all its bitter sorrow and sadness, and a depth of love and .sympathy which' no words of mine can express goes out to those who; have and are-now-fighting an honourable fight; My friend goes on to say'that a. hint might be given to theso men;regarding their obligations by their employers. Yes, this method might be adopted, aiid.'m'eet. with partial success: but;when force is introduced there will not onlv be a national war; but one just as undesirable, that is between Capital and Labour. I feel as this war progresses that every available man will help- the Motherland in her hour of need in a fight for liberty and justice, and that ultimate" "victory is for the Allies. Furthermore, on behalf of those who havo as yot not enlisted, I am that when the time comes theyJ will not bo found wanting. There are''many who, are not raving to go—l am one —nevertheless, are quite willing- and ready to stand or fall by our brothers should it be necessary. Meanwhile. in - New Zealand, let lis reserve" oiin -judgment upon others, and not be too;critical about those who have up to tho present, not enlisted. —I am. etc., ONE WITH HUMANITY. Petonfr, Juno 28, 1915.