AGAIN: HOW FAR CAN WE GO?

Northern Advocate, 23 July 1917, Page 2

AGAIN: HOW FAR CAN WE GO?

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I trust you will allow me space to reply to Mr T. Cameron's wandering letter of the 20th inst. But I am not going to reply in the same personal and scathing terms that he has adopted. Ih my letter of the 16th inst. I endeavoured to deal With the Second Division subject from quite it public point of view. Mr Cameron misses this point, throws on his glaring gaslight, which is evidently too strong for him for he finally loses himself ih it,- as he refers very personally again to matters quite outside my subject. In fact; he reminds me somewhat of a dog in a street fight. He gets warmed up and he does not know whether he is biting friend or foe. Sir, Mr Cameron would lead the public to believe that I have suggested abolishing conscription for the benefit of the Second Division. I have not. I have suggested that Second Division men should be allowed to volunteer, at the same time meaning that any shortage in the monthly requirements should be made up through the ballot system. I did not state that as plainly as I should, but that is exactly what I meant to set out as my opinion. I have had nearly 20 years' connection with our military movements in New Zealand, and I started then with the firm conviction that compulsion in some form would be the proper course. So I am not at all concerned over Mr | Cameron's "volt-face" expression No, Sir, I have no time for "dodgers." I am glad that Mr Cameron gives me so much credit for being afl enthusiastic worker when occasion requires, and I would like to remind him that I am even now (although I am nearly 60 years of age) connected with a branch of the army that can be called up at an hour's notice should occasion require it. All the same Ido not feel like playing "volt-face"; and wishing I had not joined. Then coming to the next stinging personal shot. My two sons-in-law have neither child nor property to leave or sacrifice so Mr Cameron's shot under his gaslight is wide again. Now coming to the next point. I suppose Mr Cameron knows what the cost is per man to send out and maintain a First Division man in the field? Well, he may about double that for every Second Division man that goes out, when he has accounted for allowances and pensions for their dependents, and also taking into account that immediately the man is called up he ceases to contribute to the country's revenue. The other Dominions and nations referred to are full partners with us in this gigantic struggle and should contribute pro rata in men and merely let New Zealand have a fair deal. However, our Government will understand all this, and whatever they decide to do we must back them up. If they have pledged the country to provide 2500 men per month for the duration of the war, why the whole thing is settled, and if we fail the Imperial Government will want to know the reason why, and what has become of that scrap of paper? We do not wish to be charged with repudiating our obligations to the Mother Country and to our lads at the front. In conclusion I would like to say that we must not forget that Mr Cameron has made his sacrifice in flesh and blood in the cause of freedom and liberty, and is deserving of our sincere sympathy.—l am, etc., W. CHADWIN.