R.S.A. AND POLITICS.

Evening Star, Issue 22247, 27 January 1936, Page 12

R.S.A. AND POLITICS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Mr MacManus states that only bv a rehabilitation scheme similar to that which operated alter the termination of the World War can returned soldiers obtain complete preference. 1 have never advocated complete preference for returned men, and certainly to use-the R.S.A. (if it became a political organisation) for such a purpose would undoubtedly inflict hardship on a number of citizens. My object in writing was to bring to the notice of all exsoldiers the manner in which the City Council treated applications from exservice men, and to stress the necessity of direct representation to ensure not preference, but justice. Too often we are inclined to drift in a groove, and unless some instance of unfairness is brought to our notice take it for granted that everything is 0.K., and when in that state we fall easy victims to any person or party that is prepared to take advantage of it. I would like to thank Mr MacManus for the able manner in which he has put forward his views on the subject, and 1 cannot blame him for finding my statement that returned soldiers’ applications at least equal to the others received were, passed over by the present council, hard to swallow. In conversation with a number of ex-soldiers I find that a considerable portion of them have at some time or other been in a similar position, but now admit that returned men have not been given fair play in the matter of appointments. I do not mean that the present council ignores returned men only, but simply that it gives preference to party interests irrespective of merit. I have waited to see if the council would make the explanar tion asked for by Mr MacManus, but so far have waited in vain. However, the council has now made it quite plain to everyone what attitude it intends to adopt as fa'r as returned soldiers and their depenents are concerned by allowing pictures to be screened on Anzac Day. No doubt it has the authority to do so, and apparently the feelings of those who suffered in various ways through the wav entered not into the mattei at all. If we look back some little time it is easy to trace the change. The present council seems determined to take its own way first with the Queen’s Gardens and now with Anzac Day. We can only hope that this mania for reversing all decisions made by previous councils will come to an end some time, and it is interesting to note that all the Labour members of the council voted for the permit. In one of his earlier letters Mr MacManus remarked that all political bodies honour the dead. Perhaps ' so, but one seems to consider that by placing a wreath on the Cenotaph it has fulfilled all its obligations for another 12 months, and so has a clear conscience. But could not an improvement he made even to that? Why not hold the parade early in the morning? This would allow more time for pleasure during the day, and after tea an enjoyable evening could be spent at the talkies. I think it is safe to say that the council, by its action in regard to returned men, will have cause for regret. What it seems to overlook is the fact that not only returned soldiers, but also the public generally are not likely to forget this last slap. Each year brings fresh evidence that we have been bluffed too long already, and I contend that we must either become a political organisation or shortly become extinct. Doubtless the R.S.A. will protect against screening pictures 011 Anzac Day, but as it is at present constituted its protest will carry very little weight, and no doubt will be “ received.” Wake up, all you “ diggers,” and think for yourselves. Indignation is useless unless you have the political backing, and this can only be obtained by a soldiers’ party.—l am, etc., Sniper. January 27.