AN UGLY RUMOUR.

Northern Advocate, 3 May 1916, Page 4

AN UGLY RUMOUR.

(To the Editor)

Sir, —We have heard a good der.l lately about "shirkers," this epithet being applied to young men who decline to come forward to do their duty. It is time investigation, and drastic investigation, were made by the authorities as to firms giving employment to young men fit for military service but who have not enlisted. Those firms so acting are baulking the effort at recruiting which we are all bound to assist as long as the National Government stick to their futile fetish of voluntary- enlistment. It is freely rumoured that young men are slip. P ; rg away from Auckland to avoid the pressing attentions of recruiting committees, and that in the country hey find work. The two most imjortant businesses in this district ;ro attracting labour. This rumour

ay be false, it also may be true;

id the local recruiting authority snould not be deterred by the fear of giving offence to influential bodies from doing their best to find out promptly the real facts. Strom? evidence was revealed in the Old Country that commercial patriotism with ; * reference to employment needed sharp scrutiny. There may be shirkers (in a certain sense amongst employers. Investigate, can be easily carried out, and shou not be delayed.—Yours, etc., A. H. MASON. Onerahi.