ANZAC DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22257, 9 May 1934, Page 2

ANZAC DAY

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —May I remind " Sapper " that we old soldiers are, in the view of many who did not answer the call—conscientious objectors and others —becoming a sort of nuisance. We have lost our kick —never mind the cause. We are no longer sufficiently energetic as money-making machines. Whilst we were away they were making hay and consolidating their positions. Whilst admitting that many able-bodied men 'who did not respond to the call had legitimate reasons for so doing, the majority who shirked the issue were of the type that habitually stand back and look important, and urge the other fellow to go, and tell him what a fine fellow he is. After all, someone had to stay behind and look after the women and children. These important, self-made, respectable and successful business men either cannot or will not realise that had it not been for those wbo did go they would have had no successful businesses to control. .New Zealand would no doubt have become a German colony, with Prussian police to enforce the iron hand of discipline in this fair land. We went, however, and these same successful gentlemen will tell us that they paid us whilst we were away and are still being taxed to provide adequate pensions, etc., for those who came back, and if we are good boys and live honest, upright, and sober lives they will continue to give us their sympathy—bless them!. Anzac Day will never die out until the last of the old brigade has faded awayold soldiers never die—and even then we shall leave a goodly number of descendants in the Scouts and Guides who will keep our memory green. I shall drink _apper's " health at our next reunion.—l am, etc Foot Slogger.