R.S.A., POLITICS, AND GUNS.

Evening Star, Issue 22261, 12 February 1936, Page 6

R.S.A., POLITICS, AND GUNS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —For the information of “ Digger,” Cr Silverstono is in no way connected with the Unemployed Returned Soldiers’ Association, and His Worship the Mayor and Cr M’Millan only promised what any sane and genuine man in public affairs would promise, whole-hearted support to returned men. Blit that does not mean preference in council jobs (which, ;by the way, seems to be the bone of contention in “Sniper’s” letter). Whether I read intelligently or not, I am sure my interpretation is not at fault. By giving permission for the screening of pictures on Anzac Day a large number of people benefit. Firstly, there are those to whom the last war is only history. Why deny them innocent amusement? 1 Next there are the managers and staff of cinemas, who would otherwise lose a lot of money, and then there are the near relations of dead and sick exsoldiers, who are given the chance of forgetting the harrowing experiences of earlier in the day. If the ex-soldiers on that day, who are in need of a feed, were fed, and those who need boots were attended to, I am sure that a lot more ex-soldiers would join the parade, and their faces would not register such sorrow as we are used to seeing. Such an act would not deplete the funds much more quickly if the R.S.A. membership were not so restricted. Will “Digger” please explain what lie means by “ Hitlers and Lenins ” irritating and dismembering? I am neither Hitler nor Lenin way inclined, but if I am irritating and dismembering the policy of the R.S.A. I am glad that my work is not going unnoticed. His Worship the Mayor gave his answer to Communism at election time, when he unfurled a big Union Jack and said: “Ladies and gentlemen, that (pointing to the flag) is my answer to Communism.” I could not answer any better. Further, let me say that I am not opposed to a monument being erected to any man or woman who has done the good work for any nation that Lord Jellicoe did for ours. In fairness to “Sniper” 1 must also modify my statement as to returned soldiers not getting a fair deal by the R.S.A., and I will say only some returned soldiers. I did not forget the time element. I contend that time is only a function of the human mind. • —1 am. etc., J. J. Breen. February 12.