THE HERO AND THE CARPET

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3108, 12 June 1917, Page 6

THE HERO AND THE CARPET

4 STRANGE PATRIOTISM MAN WHO WOULD NOT WORK FOR HIS COUNTRY It is to be hoped that there are not many horoes of tho typo mentioned <it the sitting; of the Krst Wellington Military Service Board yesterday. The facts about this hero eaino out this way. The Public Trust Office finds every now and then that some of its staff have been drawn in tho ballot, and in tho cases of the men who are difficult to replaco at once appeals have been lodged. The office, has been given to understand that it must endeavour to replace these men with men who are ineligible for active service, and it has engaged a good deal of labour from outside, but yesterday the story was told of one who- was not engaged. A young solicitor in the employ of tho office Tr.as drawn in tho ballot, and effort was mado to replaco him. Application was made by a solicitor outside tho office, and it was agreed that he should be engaged. Tho solicitor kept tho office waitingHwo months, and then he arrived to take up duty. However He had to have a, look at the tooth in which, ho was to work. Ho did not like it. The carpet did not suit him. Be wanted another room. He did not get it. He went into the details of his daily work. . . . They did not satisfy him. Ho ucsired j to (superintend the work of other peopleDot to work. He was told by the chief he -was dealin" with that that was not possible, and that if it had beeu, the chief would havo been after the job himself. Also, ho was told that a man of hi.s fastidiousness was not required. It was put more plainly: "IVo've no use for men like J When Mr. .T. W. Macdonald, solicitor for tho Public Trust. Office, told the Military Servico Board tho story. Captain Walker (tho military representative) remarked without any lack of emphasis that this was the kind of man who should be taken and compelled to <!o something for the country. _ Mr. Macdonald: Ho made it quito impossible for us to deal with him.. Captain Walker: It is shocking the way some men refuso to do anything to help their country. Someone remarked, that all men wore not like' this one. . Captain, Walker: AVe have had it m tho dairying districts, too. MY Macdonald offered to give tho board the name of the innn, and tho board readily accepted the offer. Captain Walker: Tho man who can work and won't help his country, and who makes outrageous conditions in a cafo of this Wnd, B oes Ter y neaT to b6 "'S a traitor to his country. Mr Macdonald: Ho is walking the block now. I pass him on the street doing nothing. - , Captain Walker: He was ablo to «o the work, I take it. Mr. Macdonald: Yes, but U didn't W Captain Walker: The jjroppr tui "S would be to put him m uniform, get him into camp, and make him work.