LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15932, 1 June 1915, Page 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

NEED FOR RECRUITS.

Sir,— As so much controversy is going on over shirkers and the war, I think that perhaps some of those gentlemen discussing the matter most could answer tin; following ■. —Why have many seriouslywounded returned troopers in past British wars, even from the late Boer War, been allowed to spend the r<st of their days in genteel poverty? I wonder how many A our businessmen have employed men with mutilated amis and legs? By all means let us fight for our country, but surely no meekness is expected when 1 ask for justice for the future permanently injured heroes. Arthur H. Jones.

Sir.— l note that several employers of this city are contemplating forming an association for the purpose of dispensing with the services of single employees between the ages of 20 i>nd 40, and of carrying out any measures they deem necessary. A number of employers have sons between the above-mentioned ages who have not yet volunteered for the fronlt. Again, if such a drastic step were taken, what would be the inevitable result? Are not the charitable institutions of this city taxed to the utmost, and even in the present state of affairs cannot cope with the wants of the poor. In such a. time as this the Defence Department alom should control matters, and it rests with the Minister for Defence to take any steps necessary. Further, every young New Zealan'der, including the employer's son, knows Irs duty, and I may say would fight to the last breath rather than see a foreign flag flying on the soil of British freedom. Pa riuoTT'M.

Sir.—There are continual controversies in all the papers now regarding recruiting and the vital necessity for mure men at the front, and not a little abuse is meted out to those young fellows seen about town who have not already enlisted or volunteered. The absolute need for more men is very evident, but it may be that conscription is not exactly fail', since, by its means, some whose ties here have prevented their offering themselves would bo compelled to go. Many may bo bravely fighting against inclination to join the forces, through duties here which are not compulsory to them; these men should not be 'branded cowards or shirkers. An idea- has orcmred to me which, if carried out, would do away both with the necessity for conscription or for the appellation of coward for those who do not offer for enlistment. It is this: Let a census be taken all over the country of all unmarried males between the ages of 20 and 39. Summon these men in batches of convenient numbers to the Defence Office of each district. Appoint a reputable and unbiassed man as umpire to question and examine each as to whv he should not offer for enlistment. If be'has a good and sufficient reason, owing to particular duties and ties—to be stated on oath—which devolve on him, let him retire without a slur on Ins character; or. if. on the other hand, there be no sufficient reason, let him be passed oh to the doctor for examination and enlisted forthwith. I was in conversation with an officer of the Defence Department this morning and mooted this subject to him. He thought the idea a good one, and suggested that I should voice the matter in the Herald ; hence this letter. B. (J, Bennett. I Rewa, Parnell, May 27, 1915.

Sir,—l sec- that a eub-corimittee of the Auckland Patriotic Leagre has recommended for the considers .on of the league that employers of labour •_::; ■»» unmarried "employees v ho arc eligible tor military service.' That the ■ uggestion is a bad 'one 1 think most will agree, and I feel sure that the proposal will not be entertained bv employers. It 16 bad in the first place, because its application would be only partial; many employers would not fall into line. Some wo aid disagree with it in principle, whiU others would not a-ree because of the sation that might result to their '.'iisinesses. It is bad in the second place because its scope would be limited, and would not embrace men eligible for military service who are in business on their own account, or practising their professions, or the sens of employers, and would therefore draw an invidious distinction between master and man. It is bad in the third place because if anv form of compulsion be necessary, it should not be left for private enterprise to enforce. If it should be the wish of employers to assist in the matter, the best thing they could do would be to urge the Government to take steps to have ever)' man of the right age registered and medically examined. Each examinee found to bo physically fit might be supplied with a certificate stating his "fitness," together with a notification tluty h's sen-ices are needed by his country. Those found to be unfit should also be supplied with certificates to that effect. If this appeal should not produce sufficient men from time to time, then obviously the only fair form of compulsion would be conscription, which would be the Bame for rich and poor, and everything would be in readiness, the men having already been registered and examined, for bringing it into force. Fairness. Sir,—l felt proud of seeing such a fine lot of young fellows marching down Queen Street on Friday afternoon and felt great regret tint I was nor, eligible to join them. Ago prevents any possibility of my going with them and helping to do my share at the front. But what are we to think of hundreds i f able young fellows looking on apparently quite capable of taking their place amongst those brave soldiers. Surely the "white streak" is not 'ttio cause I ho)»e not. However, the fact lemains that they do not answer the call of duty and seem quite careless as to the futi.ro of the country they call their rome. It is said that the necessity has not been made clear to them. All I can say is that they need a lot of pushing and coaxing to face their plain duty. The employers have the means of bringing home to a good many whit their duty is, and in every case* where they can should insist that those whose age ant! circumstances permit should join or take the consequences. There are some firms who may not like this but they have their duties and should perlorm them and should help any patriotic movement where possible. I recognise there are firms which stand out conspicuously by their generous treatment of any : hands wishing to serve their country. I noticed the other day one firm in farewellling one of their hands, invited others to go guaranteeing them their positions on return and half pay while away. That is I the kind of spirit to keep things moving. We want all the men possible to he ready if needed and even if they should not ' reach the lighting line the fact of being ready is of great value. Our young women 'and "ills should tike a hand in this move--1 ment. I feel sure there is not one of 'them but would fe»'l contempt for any fellow who would shirk his duty and show any fear of Ukii.g his part. I am pleased to say I have a son who was one of the I first to volint'er and left with the first 'contingent, now at the front H< wntes in great spirits ami expresses the hope that the New Zeahnders are showing that 'they (an do tbe;r duty and prove a credit I to 'then- country UaKaC. SISTER ESTHERS WORK. Sir -Once ana in we ask assistance for ii„. ~"<re d the si'k and the destitute of the ifv' 3 We realise there have b'.'eii many extra calls during Hie past few months ■ ( t the lUt „,, ransid by unemployment : „-d the increased cost of living calls more than ever for assistance. Ihe -inter ,«,„.n •- also upon us. and tin snk. the ionelv ag'd poor, and the Huh; children are xperien'n.. the discomforts the ' M weather and need firing and warm clothing. Help in the form of funds. clothing, provisions, firing, beds ami beddin-, looks, magazines, etc., will be very acceptable, and should it not be convenient for those desiring to assist to deliver JSe a message to Mrs. W. B- White, 125. Grafton Road, 'phone 2578. or to my self 'phone 3643. will enable us to collect. Parcels may be left with Mis J. Spin lev Upper Svmonds Stieet : .Mrs. rewards 18. Broadway, Newmarket: and Mr W .1. Jaffrev, 344. Queen Street, opposite Grey Statin". SISTER li: rilEB--20. Kent Street. 'J rev Lynn.