THE SKUNK BRIGADE.

Evening Star, Issue 14628, 26 July 1911, Page 2

THE SKUNK BRIGADE.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —I was more than amused to read the Jin os in .Monday's ‘ Star ’ headed ‘ The Skunk Brigade.’ Firstly, the boys are faJamed for being afraid. Well, when the boys of 14 have to turn out, surely common sense cannot blame these children if they aro afraid. Secondly, “ They say it is your duty to protect your home and wife.” Surely those to protect home and wife are the men over 21, not the boys under that ago. As a mother having boys under 21 years, I, for one, object to boys of 14 going in for this training. In my way of thinking, from 14 to 18 years at least should bo exempt. Our country gets a great name for her educational advantages. Well, let our boys get that chance first. What are our boys to do who are trying to improve their education at night classes? I suppose all this has to go, and a boy just turned 21 gets off scot free. Had the age been 18 to 25 there might be reason in it, and a boy at that age would be better able for the strain both mentally and physically. The fact of the matter is our young men will leave the country, and the bravo heroes of 21 and over will have to face the guns.—l am, etc., A Motheb. July 25.