SEEKING SOFT JOBS

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 85, 10 April 1917, Page 2

SEEKING SOFT JOBS

THE DISEASE OF FAVOURITiSM.

A SERIOUS ABUSE.

Job-hunting is the curse of the Em^ pire's. armies, British and Doniiniou (writes the Sun's London representative}. Amongst the job-hunters we included the selfish dodger of work and'the .trickers of Medical Boards,, as well ■as the stringpullers for "cushy" berths and staff f.p-, pointments. . Because the vast majority of soldiers aro downrightly and unselfishly in the war to the death, we have held up the disciplined hosts of Germans. If we are ultimately beaten in the field, it will be. because of a minority of ineflicients, political and family nominees, social favourites, and round-pegs in'square'holes, who have been a terrible load for the brave and the good to carry. These manipulators are fairly honest, according to t ne;ir lights. Many do good work" and sustain the hardships of the battlefield. But they suffer from the disease of favouritism —an infectious sickness which lessens utility by 50 per cent. 1 and can easily destroy a fighting force. I.believe the practice is to be found in our Australian army in less degree thtwi in any other in the Empire. I believe that favouritishl is rampant in, the British Army. I believe that until wa get the pure spirit of Belf-sacrificing patriotism we will not be again a great people.

Not long ago a Mend of mine, a great employer' and highly trained business man of Adelaide, came to this, country to offer his services,. . He is not to be de L fended for seejaug, British instead lot Australian service/ But at least lie, was| honest in his desire, and an obvious prize to any organisation. He had imposing letters. He had a sound case. But when at last, he was allowed to approach the. treat man at the War Office, ,hs was ept> waiting in the■-. anteroom. A callow youth arrived on a similar" mission— to seek employment in the Army. Because he had a letter from a duchess he was ushered into the Presence with all despatch and consideration. When my friend was attended to—he did not get to see the great man—he was sent to France in charge of 50 unskilled men to load and unload shells from railwaytrucks—^and there he is still.

The Army blames the politicians. It says they get their way always, and to please supporters or friends put thousands of found pegs in square holes. But the pubiio—and the Teal army, —blames the Ann-y. Perhaps the real blame lies with the public itself. For the tone of politics is a reflection of,the tone of tRe people, and the tone of the Army- reflects the .tone of public and politicians. 1

If thfef public devoted its attention to rooting iavouritisoi from the Army and 1 destroying that evil suggest;veness contained, in the general idea that "soft" things- can be "worked," it would secure increased efficiency. No'one can say that the -German army, is not sincere. That is its one good feature—a sincere patriotism reflected in a masterly organisation, in 'which each disciplined' unit does his part for his country. Living, sincerity . in every man and woman is what is moat required to beat the Huns. •