SOLDIERS’ LEAVE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 263, 6 October 1942, Page 4

SOLDIERS’ LEAVE.

Sir, —Many men in camp are due for overseas service. Many will not return. "With regard to their leave privileges, if this is the kind of treatment that is to be meted out to them before they go, one can imagine the consideration they are likely to get if and when they return. I sincerely hope the R.S.A. and the public generally will take up this matter.—l am, etc., OLD SOLDIER.

Owing to censorship regulations part of this letter has been excised.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Law is democratic only when the opportunity is given for all the people to express their opinions. The soldier is going into battle without that opportunity. Our boys have proved their capabilities of handling an impossible situation in all fields of battle, and now a simple issue, week-end leave, although important to the soldier and his will to co-operate, has been taken from him. I feel sure the opinions of the soldier, the railway employee, miners, and the general public are necessary for the continuance of week-end leave and travel, also a whole-hearted war effort—a srhall return for men who have left their homes and families, with hopes and ambitions deferred, and many of them never to return. Give the soldier what he is fighting for—freedom, liberty and democratic rights.—l am, etc., E.G.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Like “Young Mother” I also think the Government makes _ same very hasty decisions. Why does it not get down to the root of the trouble? What is any average young married man, with a family, thinking about? Not left, right, and about turn, or about flax-cutting or wharf duties, which seem to be part of the Grade 1 men’s training for overseas. Oh no! Not at all. I think I would not be far wrong in saying nine out of ten of those men are thinking of home and the children and looking forward to their week-end leave. Are they to be deprived of that leave? We, the mothers, could bear it if our men were here for the duration ; but when our man is Grade 1 and is to go overseas, surely they all are entitled to special leave tc make the best of family life before they sail for overseas.

What is the Government trying to do—break'up homes, or what? Does it realise what four months mean to a married man? Wake up, Mr Jones, and see how much better a man will do his job when his officer grants him week-end leave and he knows that he will be home again before his final leave arrives. Do not think that the mothers are going to sit quietly in their empty shells of homes and not see their husbands until their final leave, because I am sure they will not, especially when they have read those cold words of Mr Jones. (“Mr Jones explained that furlough was not granted to men in units and reinforcement drafts being trained and organised for service overseas, but final leave with free travelling warrants is provided.”) Very generous, Mr Jones, and this is the little country that is crying out for more population. Yes! Very generous.—l am, etc., YOUNG MOTHER OF TWO.