LET THE MEN GO

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9096, 15 July 1915, Page 2

LET THE MEN GO

To tho Editor "N.Z. Times." Sir,—l have boon waiting to sec if some abler pen than mine would call attention to the Commissioners’ report that 8 per emt. of tbe officers of the Public Service had gone to the front, and that none had been refused leave, but that it was quite possible that a chief might intimate to an officer under his control that he could not bo spared. Could not- be spared forsooth. ! Why should a young man be branded as a coward because his cniet mi-dit suffer a little inconvenience, or the public? Does the Commissioner think that the farmer’s only son can be better spared? Aye, many of the farmers only sons have already given their lives for tho country of their birth. -“A" what of the young married men and the widows who now mourn? They can suffer, but not the Public Service. Sir, it is time that every eligible man in this or any other British colony enlisted. And the Government should give a lead in this matter Women can fill almost any clerical position in tho postal or any • service, -and there .are hundreds of women only too eager to do their share to assist the Government in minimising any difficulties Take for instance the postal service: a week to a month’s instruction would fit women for running any of the smaller post offices in the Dominion, and i-hen those already in charge of these offices would be relieved to fill more important positions. The same .thing applies in a great number of businesses where clerical aid is required. The ont.ook at present is surely of the character Co call for a lead from the Government in this direction, and a little foresight and organisation now would no doubt be af immense value in the near future.—l am. etc., A WOMAN WORKER.