AN "UNFORTUNATE" REMARK.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 244, 28 September 1922, Page 6

AN "UNFORTUNATE" REMARK.

POOR RETURN FOR HOSPITALITY - t0 the Wcll 'nKton “Post” Mt. D. W. Russell registers a very ■trong protest against a statement made by a Salvation Army officer in giving evidence before the recent Commission. Mr. Russell says:— Sir. —In the newspaper report of the final sitting the Venereal Diseases Commission appears the following paragraph, which I consider calls for some explanation. It says, inter-alia. Major Wintie, Salvation Army, giving evidence: “Dr. Elliott: I knew that m England women of high social position simply pursued the soldier, no itnatter what his rank. “Witness: Ves, sir. In England the New Zealand hat was the greatest possible advertisement.” Now, Sir, as one who received many kindnesses from ladies in England. I desire ta express my abhorrence that such a remark was made under such circumstances, which, having regard to the conditions under which it was made, can only possibly be subjected to two inferences. Those who were on the spot know that in nine cases out of ten the motives of those—and they were many—who showed us kindnesses were inspired by Feelings of gratitude to us whom they considered had come such a great distance to fight with their own sons, many of whom had already been killed. With regard to being pursued, that is a matter of opinion, and as the state-1 ment “that the New Zealand hat was the greatest possible advertisement.” An advertisement for what.’ 1 ’ Having regard to the circumstances under which the statement was made, perhaps the witness can explain. In the ordinary course of events I should not noticed sucn remarks, but having regard to the fact that the subject is one which is causing world-wide interest. «nd the reports of the commission sitting thereon are bound to be quoted in English papers, I feel that such a cruel statement should not go unchallenged. Tn conclusion. I trust that someone who can speak with authority—such a person as Sir Thomas Mackenzie, who did great work for us soldiers, as High Commissioner. and who is bound to know the Tacts —will place his opinion on record, because unless authoritatively contradicted I am sure auch a statement will give pain to a j large number of ladies in England, and will 1»e a standing advertisement of our ingratitude. Finally. Sir. 1 trust that such an indelicate reference will not he allowed to figure in the commission’s report.