VOLUNTEERS WANTED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 121, 20 April 1940, Page 6

VOLUNTEERS WANTED.

(To the Editor.; Sir, —Why should the country have to -ask for volunteers ? Our grandfathers and fathers worked many of them sixteen hours a day, as I did year in and year out, no half holiday, and wo always had a good appetite and were none the worse and more contented than the younger generation with all their sports and short hours. I know very well you can swell out your chest and show a good muscle, and could shake your fist at any enemy daring to land in New Zealand. But if that is all you had to offer—a smack at his head with a cricket bat, or a knock with a football—do you think lie would rush with open arms to embrace you as a gobd sport? Another thing,'where would we be if we did not have faith in the British Navy? I knuw if the same terms offered our volunteers were offered to young sports thousands would instantly volunteer. Well, when the Empire is at grips with an enemy, who would if successful deprive you of all the blessings you enjoy, why hesitate like school boys?—Be like men volunteer. 1 understand your attitude is like the priest of old times who saw a poor wounded man lying in the way. He passed by on the other side and left him for a stranger to do the needed act of mercy. I’ll give von young men one passage from the Bible you profess to believe in. Deuteronony, chapter 20, v. 8: “And the officers shall speak unto the 'people, saying, what man is there that is fearful and faint hearted ? Let him go and return unto his house.’’ Perhaps if you quoted that texi to-day you might he set to peel potatoes or knit socks for the others at the front. I have a better opinion of our young men so expect good results from' the recruiting campaign.—l am, CtC ’’ ■ GBANDPA.