MR O’REGAN AND DEFENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8363, 25 February 1913, Page 10

MR O’REGAN AND DEFENCE

To the Editor “ N.Z, Times.” Sir, —Mr O’Regan is -wrong again. I have never referred to those who have “dared to oppose conscription” as “dastards.” It is only those who have the bad taste to disagree with Mr O’Regan who can be accused of dastardly conduct. In our friend’s first letter he said that after Colonel Davies’ return from South Africa he “delivered a number of addresses in favour of conscription.”, Mr O’Regan has now discovered that Colonel Davies’ first and only offence was that at a Dominion Day celebration at Napier ha expressed the opinion that the volunteer system had broken down (which was true) and strongly advocated compulsory training. Mr O’Regan is very emphatic in hia opposition to “conscription-” Will he kindly come from behind his cloud of adjectives and answer the. questions I propounded on

Friday last: (1) Is Mr O’Uogau in •favour of defending New Zealand if not, why not? (2) If he is in favour of defence will he explain why it should devolve on the voluntary workers, leaving the shirkers exempt? We know what Mr O’Regan says about conscription. Surely we are entitled to know where he is about defence. I am, etc., PIERCE C. FREETH. "Wellington, February 24th.