"TO ARMS!"

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 58, 5 September 1914, Page 4

"TO ARMS!"

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— Although we are all justly proud of what our own little corner of the Empire is doing at the present time, there are still numbers of able-bodied men, both young and middle-aged, who are doing nothing towards assisting that Empire to emerge from the present struggle successfully and honourably. There arc no doubt many reasons for this apparent apathy, or neglect, of "duty." Quite a number of such people have asked me to put them on the right path to enable them to be doing "something." All these I have advised to interview the Officer Commanding the Rifle Clubs Reserve. In many, and probably most, cases it is not that the average man will not assist in protecting the Empire f v roindisaster, bub because the cannot, through age, domestic or business circumstances, etc., etc., volunteer for the Expeditionary Forces, and'theretore, through ignorance, thinks that he js ot no use- anywhere else. I consider that at the present moment every ablebodied man should be doing "something."' Let it be remembered that we do not only have to consider our present enemies, but also have to look to the future. I am not a pessimist, nor am I one who cries "stinking iish," but surely our watchword at present should be "Be Prepared." Let every ablebodied man throughout the Dominion accustom himself to rifle shooting, ftow is the time to work up a reputation for ourselves which may stand us in very good stead in years to come. With a small sacrifice of a few hours per week devoted to drill and rifle shooting, we would soon find that wo would have the reputation of being a nation of "sharpshooters" ; and think what this may mean in tne future ! To those who are quite fit for this noble work, but who seem to be quite satisfied with kicking their heel* about town, and letting the other fellow do all the work and all the sacrificing, I especially appeal. Remember there is need of every man, and there is work for every man ; and) above all, it is every man s "duty." l n the present Bt niggle, whether victory be to the Germans or victory be to the Allies, it will not tell iid what part New Zealand will play m the near or distant iuture. feo, you young and middle-aged, be up and doing, so that each one of you can conscientiously say, "I am doing something for my country." 1 regret, Sir., J am unable to sign my correct name, but I would like to add that I am not a nipmber ot' any rifle club, and that I am doing something fop my country.'— l ( am, etc., ■ " ' _, A GUNNER. 2nd feeplcmbev. 191>1.