RECRUITS AND THEIR ELDERS.

North Otago Times, Volume CIII, Issue 13651, 19 August 1916, Page 2

RECRUITS AND THEIR ELDERS.

To the Editor of " Tlic Times." Sir,—You have had numerous writers in your columns lately using generally the samo everlasting aibuse of those of military age who still remain here, ami all.to very little purpose. These men know the contents of ithe Military-Ser-vice Act ; and some may be prepared to await its administratioii, .seeing it comes into force when required. Also two exceptions, ,'a'll-.- the men' in this district 1 favoured' conscription, when'' illliiig up recruiting cards. Comparing these. -young: men with those' over'-limitary age,, we must see generally, that their elders are in the most favourable position;' -as prices of iland and- rents-are about double what' tlicy wfcre'twenty year's'ago.' It may be said-that some w sitting in tlieir father's chair, but not'all of them. ' 'lit this connection,'! thilik something niorc useful- than ■.hounding the above men out (if the homes that tliey have been-'struggling-for years to make could be devised.' If all outside the "net", banded 'themselves together in each district to-assist- those who may •be calll'd up; in any way possible with their belongings'; while absent,' I -feel sure soiuethjijg:. in tlris lino would have a much" better effect than'the Continued railing.usually; engaged-in. We know the Government can-forego rents, but money lender's'.-generally cannot lie expected to ivi'itc offi' iiltcrbst. In a letter to.the Times,Mr Cvardiner- made an offer ; to a,!neighbouring.farmer, I also, in _niy small -way,' niadc' a somewhat different 1 offer ■much caerlier, which could'be'-*Seeii':'by'any recruit in this dictrict. ; ■

I therefore consider that in country districts it is.thcduty of all over ago to face the foe in a, manner different to what we have been'doing, sfeciiig that! hardships are bound; to comfe—death, wounds,' or ! disablement/, to folloiv our lighters, We cannot'.sit still, but should start, in each district, wgairisittions for' the assistance,; if called up,, "" : : ' . I am not an-'agfint'-of any of your recent eoi;respon,dents,,iwr;am. I cliam-. pioniiig their c.ause.Un.-.any .way; but rather endeavouring ;to show .the. small sacrifice ; .which j'iiai|y, of 'ilip older far-, mors have been dlled upon to. make, IV;c niiiy' cite'' ■■income; tax, etc.,: but' what, .are,J.thfe.sc 'Seeing..they are only .a r ' : paH of/wHa't- a niah lias, in the line' of ; caij.Compared''w'ilh the younger ones-.goijig;'o(it--:-t6. give their lives for the and protection of their ■ cldcis?--1 etc,., ;'.-V ' . E.S. BREWSTER, Awamoko, August 15,1916.