CALLING ALL CLANS.

Evening Star, Issue 23499, 13 February 1940, Page 12

CALLING ALL CLANS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—A few days ago" the paper printed a .report of a proposed Scottish Battalion. It is not a proud thing to say that Dunedin,Vthis Edinburgh of the south, capital of the Scotch settlement of Otago, waited for a lead from a northern city. Walk along the streets of Dunedin, note the tartans worn by,; young and old, men, women, and children—scarves, ties, tartan skirts, umbrellas—aye, and the wee Scotch dogs, too, with their tartan -Dollars'.

Let us remember a few years ago when a great gathering of pipers was held in Dunedin. Remember the lads in their distinctive tartans, and how we were stirred by the skirl, of the pipes, the swing of the kiltami the stately, march of the Highland men. A. tear was "in the eye of many an onlooker that Sunday afternoon. ..Thoughts flew across the sea to bonnie Scotland and our kin there. Could they but see the fine lads carrying on the traditions of their race! Reared most of us on Scottish tradition, proudly we wear the tartan, and prmid are we of clans to which wc belong. And now our kinsmen with a powerful enemy at their throats look to us to stand shoulder to shoulder with them that we be not all destroyed. You who have hoard from your parents many a stirring tale of courage and heroism will you have it said that you lack the will of your forefathers? I have not the power to fight in this war, but 1 will pay to the uttermost farthing war taxation without yelping, and will make no profit out of war. I will not vote for conscription. Men should go voluntarily to fight for their heritage, even as did their forefathers. If Britain receives not willing support, then she will fall, and. think you a victorious Germany will dictate easy peace terms and be satisfied with the return of her colonies when a richer country might be hors? No, this beautiful country of ours would be but spoils to the victor, and they who sit and blether about waiting for conscription would be conscripted then sure enough) goosestepping to orders. Will they be liking that? Give us a lead, cry the newspapers and the political agitators. They talk while Romo burns. A lead? Has it not been given by those who have already answered the call that has gone forth, men now in training camps, on the seas, in service in England, France, and Egypt? ■ What clearer lead is needed than this inspiring lead, that is now in danger of being obscured hy stupid domestic wrangling? This is not a war for material gain, nor are wc fighting for the Jews eleven Poland; it is a war for onr very existence. Those who say “ 1 don’t want to lose my job “ I’ll go if I’m needed”; “I’ll go if the other chap goes, lot them come and get rno ” ; “ I’ll wait for conscription,” do not seem to realise that it is not good for manhood that men should desire someone else to make up their minds for them. And very sad indeed it is to hear of older men who should understand the gravity of the situation advising young men not to enlist. Noris this a time for politics, and all parties should cease heaving bricks at glasshouses. Think it over seriously, and remember there might very soon come a time when the men in Britain may say “ Why should we fight in defence of. New Zealand when they would not fight with us?” Think it, over, lads, and be not too long abouf it. Up the clans from the mountains and valleys, plains and "cities, farms, workshops, offices, factories, all and everyone of you, no matter what bo your calling. Women may not fight, but, given the chance, they will play their part voluntarily, oven as their kinswomen overseas. Up then, my kinsmen —Buchanans, wild Grahams, and men of Argyll; will you have it said that you wait to be led? Nay. lads; let you lead and others follow,—l am, etc., Or. ak .Tunis. February 12,