RECRUITING IN THE NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16097, 10 December 1915, Page 4

RECRUITING IN THE NORTH.

Sir,—How can it be expected that Aew Zealandcrs and British-born inhabitants of this district will offer to die in the Balkans when natives of those States more interested in the war than ourselves remain here? These Austrian*, or Creations, or whatever they may be called are not asked to serve, and work at good wages is found for them by the Government, by the county councils, and bv fch« local factories. Preference is given to them, and from one large works Maoris and New Zealanders have actual! been discharged to keep room for Austrians. Take a farmer who has a son or two at the war. He wants some work outeide his farm to keep down the inevitable mortgage. He applies for work on the railway, at road contracts, or at a freezing works, and is told that he is not wanted, as they are full up; in short, that none but Austrians need applv We arc to fight and die in the Balkans that natives of the Balkans may work and live in New Zealand ! Imagine New /Zealanders being so treated in Austria J It is reported that 50 Croatians want to volunteer— 2 per cent, of the able bodied Balkan natives—and that the Government is taking time to consider if they will be accepted. I hope enough time will be taken so as to save our own flesh and blood. It is grand to die for those near and dear to us. but bow much grander and nobler when among the nearest and dearest are 2000 Austrians! t. _ _ British. Parua Bay, December 7.