THE GREAT WAR SOLDIER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23661, 21 May 1940, Page 11

THE GREAT WAR SOLDIER

Sir, —When I told my wife that, as a member of the National Military Reserve, Class 11., I shall be into khaki again in a few days, and most likely into camp for a refresher course, the views she expressed were so forcible, and what I know to be? those of the wives of other returned soldiers, that 1, feel they should be made public. Here is what she said: "Of all the cowardly and unfair things this Government has done this calling up of the returned men to serve again is the worst. They take you men who have done your share and they take the decent young fellow who has been serving in the territorials; they say that you must train and drill, you must go into camp, you must risk your jobs, you must give up your home life, and all the time they leave the shirker, who lias neither trained in the territorials or who lias not the courage, or is too selfish to go to the war. What does this Government care so long as there are a few decent men like you fellows who will do the job for them? The remark was made to me that Mr. Eraser's speech was a good one. Perhaps it was, but if we leave out the quality of fine phrases and take only what they mean it was a rotten speech." That was what my wife said. Knowing something of war, and having seen refugees on the road, and realising that it will be too late when the invader comes to take action, 1 shall do my best to serve again, but I cannot help thinking her remarks are right. Once Again.