ARE WE SHIRKING ?

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 126, 29 May 1915, Page 9

ARE WE SHIRKING ?

TO THI EDITOR. Sir,— To every fair-thinking individual a letter in last night's issue, and signed Ji-ngland for Ever," calls for some comment. I would like to know how "England for Ever" is enabled to distinguish so-called shirkers . from others. It's a pretty bold statement to make "that hundreds of single, able-bodied young men in this, country are enjoying that freedom which is being fought for by their fellow-men across the seas." Is he awnre that a large number of these socalled «nirkers enlisted monthe ago, and aw quietly carrjing on in their various business callings until fire time arrives for them to go into camp at Trentham ? Is he aware that a great many of these shirkers'' are unable to pass the present medical test for many reasons not apparent to the average observer, but vitally important when active service is contemplated? Does he readl the daily news re recruiting in Wellington district as compared with other parts of the country ? Has he read what the Defence Minister reports on the subject— that Wellington has excelled itself? Ie your keen-eyed correspondent aware that Wellington district alone has exceeded its quota by 450 men for the extra battalions and 7th Reinforcements, while Auokland, Canterbury, and Otago togjeiher are still .short of over 800 men ? In the face of these facts and numerous other apparent reasons, can he tell me just where the shirking is going on? Is there no place other than Wellington, and callings other than in offices, factories, or sliops. where shirking might exist? I question irhother it is anywhere as Borious as "England, etc.," imagines. It certainly is not going on in Wellington district. Considering all things, I think Wellington has more than done her share already, but that won t etop them rolling up just the same, and the time is a long way off before we BhaJJ need to openly declare our young nle "i , if sm ' rkers - New Zealand ottn easily 4 hold her own as far as patriotism, etc., is concern^, and methods such n« your correspondent stigefeste will not help ' in the (slightest. — I am, etc., TEMPORARILY UNFIT. 25th May, 1915.