UNWILLING SHIRKERS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 17, 21 January 1916, Page 2

UNWILLING SHIRKERS

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —As one of the unfortunate and much-maligned single men, medically fit, and craving for an opportunity to get to the front, permit me to make a suggestion which I think is worthy' of the consideration of the Government. ; I have reason to think that mine ia only one of several similar cases which are absolutely genuine, and will bear the fullest investigation.

I am the sole support of invalid parents. I am not extravagant. Ido not patronise race meetings or entertainments of any kind, neither do I drink, smoke, or indulge in luxuries of any description. I have no private means, and my financial responsibilities are greater than those of many married men. Why, therefore, am I not entitled to the same treatment as a married man, both as regards pay while on active service1 and as a pensioner in tho event of incapacitation?

I can conceive no greater favour that could be bestowed upon me than an' opportunity to get away with the next contingent; yet, under existing circumstances I have no alternative but to remain a '' shirker " in the eyes of the public, and to put up with all the. cutting innuendoes, frigid looks, and unkind remarks which are now frequently -passed at the sight- of a young man who happens to be big and muscular, and who "ought to be at the front."—l am, etc.,

, AN UNWILLING SHIRKER, Wellington, 17th January. .