“MY COUNTRY RIGHT OR WRONG.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18676, 4 October 1922, Page 8

“MY COUNTRY RIGHT OR WRONG.”

ro the editor Sin,—The Rev. Hector Maclean should he cordiflllv thanked by rJI persons who value the right of individual judgment and the liberty to express openly their conscientious opinions in regard to all public questions. As Air Maclean truly says, the immoral statement, “Aly country, right nr wrong,” might he used to justify all tho wars ever engaged in in the history of the world. And yet. Sir, these ore (he words of a man claiming to be the Lender of (he. LiheralLahonr Party in the House, and, marvellous to relate, were allowed to pass unchallenged bv his fellow-members, with the exception of the Labour Party. If sentiments such as these are allowed to be made without protest, what hone have we of establishing peace, good will, and justice between nation and nation? We wait to hear what the local branch of the League of Nations has to say in regard to this matter. Mr Maclean rightly expresses surprise that no Church courts have so far made any pronouncement relative to Mr AVilford's extraordinary statement. Personally. I want to thank Air Maclean for his manly and opportune protest against a doctrine immoral, inconsistent. and vicious in its application to national and international affairs. -I am, etc., J. A. Forbes. Oaniarn, October >l. FORBURY PARK RACES. TO THU EDITOR. Sin,—l learn with regret (hat Forhniy Park’Trolling Club has practically cut the amateur races out of all programmes. Tho reasons, I understand, are that the amateur raees, as a whole, are poor betting races, and also they are generally won so easily. That is a very poor stand to he adopted by a progressive club as the Eorbnry Park Trotting Club has proved itself to ho. I would like to know if this drastic sfen was decided at a full meeting, and, if so. whether it was considered where most of the good horses that are racing to-day canm from" It was from the amateur races, of course. How many of Hie “big heads” will even look at a horse in the paddock when in the rough -let alone buy him? AVliat do they say to the poor breeder? “Give him to some amateur for a while, and if he shapes any good, well, I may buy him off von.” Has not (his been proved before today? Why not stick to the bridge that carried the club over and sinmort the man that breeds, rides, drives, ■_! prepares a horse front his infancy? '.hat was the Ota"o Breeders’ Association formed for but the ’protection of breeders and tho sport as a whole!—l am. €-lc.. Amateur.