RETURNED SOLDIERS’ GRIEVANCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10107, 15 October 1917, Page 6

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ GRIEVANCE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir.— In your issue of Saturday tlierOj i s ii loiter from Mr Hockler denying the fact tliat lie ever said that "a man having one drink was under the inlluonec of liquor.” It is his word against mine, and in justification to myscll, pleas* allow me to relate the circumstances as I related them to my Association on Thursday evening last. On the day following Mr llodder's public statements at Kvcryhody’s Theatre, lj visited that gentleman at his place oh business. After the usual formalities fj ashed if he actually meant what he said on the previous evening. lie replied. "I have my information from the hooks of [he Patriotic Society, of which t am a member. 1 then asked, "(an you honestly say that 7o per cent, ol the men applying for assitancc are drunk when they do so?” Mr llodder’s reply was, "1 do not say drunk, hut under the influence ol liquor.” When I asked, "What do you mean lay 'under the iulluence oi liquor:'’ ” he gave as his definition that "if a man has one drink he. is certainly under the influence ol that drink.” furthermore, the conversation turned eventually to the "rum ration.” and 1 asked Me llodder to put himself in the position of the men in a certain brigade in France. I told him that these men were in the trout line oi tivnehes for a. long spell without relict. Towards the end ol that spell, weakened by their arduous duties, ceaseless vigil, and exposure to the elements, they were served with a nun ration. Putting the question direct I asked Mr Hodder, ‘‘Would you, under those circumstances, refuse the rum? .Mr llodder replied that, under those circumstances, he would in all probability accept it. I am not writing from memory. 1 jotted down scraps of our conversation ou an old envelope alter loav-j ' ing Mr llodder, for I told him that I would certainly place the matter before my Association, fn a grand wind up to his letter he says, "J have, never in my life given expression to such a silly remark.” ! venture to say that he was guilty of a far sillier remark when .lie stated that 7 A per cent, ol the rcI turned men were in the habit of getting intoxicated. In conclusion, may ! make ! this appeal jo your correspondent. J,se 'a man, Mr llodder. and face the coh- : sequences of your indiscreet remarks. Tell the public openly and straightforI wardly that you made a mistake, and I can assure you that the Association will accept your explanation in the 1 right spirit, hut do not attempt to 1 u "iggle out ot an awkward corner by 1 practically accusing others of telling ■ falsehoods.—] am. etc,, | R. -I. WIIITK.