WAR SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24336, 28 June 1940, Page 5

WAR SERVICE

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —Why should “ Scrutator ” rush into print in defence of the Minister of Marine? As the past shows, he is quite able to defend himself. “Scrutator” thinks H-hat a man possessing such brainpower as the said Minister should be exempt from overseas service. I am surprised, therefore, that he did - not rise in rebellion when Brigadier Hargest enlisted. Surely a man with such brainpower and past war ; service deserves everyone’s consideration. yet “Scrutator” never raised any objection to his -departure-.. Numbers of others who would have been invaluable to the country at the moment are overseas, but we are proud of them that they knew where their duty lay. I take it that a second letter carrying the same signature must have been written by the same correspondent. All through, it certainly gives one the impression that the writer of it comes within the age limit himself. It seems hard to believe that, with all the publicity given over the air and through the press concerning conscription, he has only managed to grasp what seems to be going to affect himself. Further, to blame Mr Hamilton and Mr Begg for the conscription of manpower seems to be ridiculous. “Give honour where honour is due” is a good motto, and I would advise “ Scrutator ” to be wise and follow it. When he did start to mention one or : two names, for. example, why he did not carry on with Mr Semple and then perhaps Mr Webb is better known to himself. Little did we think during the last war that Mr Semple would be given the position he holds to-day. To my mind, it is incomprehensible to say the least, yet “ Scrutator ” and his like blind themselyes to the fact. To air views such as his when he belongs to a farming community and knows, or should know, that farmers and farm hands have been treated as belonging to a reserved ■ occupation shows poor spirit.—l am, .etc., • ... / ' Scrutator ;‘(Np..3). Waihola, June 24.