CORRESPONDENCE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 71, 23 March 1912, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

CAMP AT EASTER. 10 THE EDITOE. Sir, — I write under a sense of injustice concerning the coming -camp of the 6th Wellington Regiment at' Easter. Not content with taking away several of our Saturday*, the Defence authorities have decreed that we must go into training at a time when we have, been accustomed to have a little leisure. These days have been recognised as holidays practically from time memorial, and we do not get such a lot that we can afford to spend a few in hard work. I may state that, although under twenty-one and k> under the thumb of the military authorities, I am very much, in favour of the present defence system, but as it is chiefly employers' interests that we are going to protect, they should not begrudge a, few days off for the necessary training. I have heard it stated that certain of the authorities declare .the boys will get quite enthusiastic in time, but I must say I fail to see how this taking away of liberty i* going to foster that spirit.— l am, etc., DISGUSTED. Wellington, 20th May, 1912. [Enquiries made at the Defence Office on the above complaint, wont to show thai Easter was selected for the camp because it was generally found more convenient for all concerned — employers and employees alike. Moreover, Volunteer camps, were alwayß held in the United Kingdom and the self-governing Dominions at Easter time.] ORCHARD PESTS. TO THE EDIIOB. Sir, — In your issue of this date there appears an Auckland telegram, telling us of tho discovery of a new pest for the fruitgrower, and of course wanting tho Government to step in and assist in combatting it. Why was the wasp allowed to bo brought here at all ? Suppose he came while the fruitgrowers slept ! Anyhow, if its any benefit to the orohardist I can tell him that another pest is about to be imported in the form of the English bullfinch. Mr. Bullfinch is a fine fellow where there are any fruit trees, his ohief concern being in tbe_ direction of stopping the fruit from arriving by eating all the fruit buds as they appear. CX course, his naughty habits might leave him when he reaches these parts, and he may prove an industrious settlor in ' another form. The deer now are getting so plontiful as to become a pest to settlers in some back country parts, and as the natural enemy to them are a few lionu and tigers, why not let a pair of each at 'liberty ; they would soon increase and save the deer from .getting too thick; besides, what a fine advertisement it would bo for us. Our Tourist Department could then inform Lord Flannelfoot and Colonel Cabbageleaf that big game sport could be had in New Zealand as well as the more humble one of trout fishing. Anyhow, though we have a fair share of pests here now, there are plenty more to be had for the fetching. In the meantime, while the orchardist la getting stung with the wasps, let him take heed lest he get peoked oh the arrival of Mr. Bullfinch, if he has not already arrived. I am, etc., J. A. CRAVEN. Wellington, 19th March, 1918. PUNISHMENT OF DEFAULTERS TO TUB EDIIOn. Sir, — Several suggestions hay© been heard of alternatives to "gaoling the boys" who defy the law of the land in regard to military training. Tho fact that only a handful of boys havo had to suifer that ooDalty has in no way lessened tho clamour ot tho indignant anti-mili-tarists, who have mode the very most of the phrase "gaoling the boys." The most ardent supporters <>f the dirfonco scheme have no desire to see misguided youths sent to prison, hence the alternatives that have been suggested. There are many who beliovo that disfranchisement alone — a penalty already provided for by statute —would in course of time have tho desired effect, and a few days ago a Northern Magistrate expressed the opinion that as an additional punishment ofFendors should be mado ineligible as claimants for old-age pensions. A penalty that will bo at least two i score years in coming, however. 1b not likely to havo much offect on the minds of_ individuals who^aro incapable of realising their duty to the State — a duty in tht> fulfilment of which they themselves derive great personal benefit. A period of detention on a State farm is another proposal that would probably bo more effective. Yet another is now made, and it will doubtless find many supporteri). It is that those persons who refuse to prepare themselves to defend tho State should in turn bo refused all tho advantages which tho State can give them. They would thus be unable to use tho Post Office Savings Bank, could not enjoy the benefits of tho Advance* to Workers or Advanced -to Settlers schemes —in fact, would be posted as defaulters in^very^tato'Department, in addition to being disfranchised and rendered ineligible for any position in the Government service. Tho idea is at least worth serious consideration. Tho cry of "martyrdom" is weak enough now when analysed ;_ it oan bo mado to appear even more ridiculous. — I am, etc., LOYALTY. Wellington, 21st l March, 1912.