THE GOVERNMENT'S PROMISES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24733, 9 October 1941, Page 11

THE GOVERNMENT'S PROMISES

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—l was pleased to read the letter by " Hannah " in to-day's Daily Times. She starts her letter by stating that the Government promised great things. Indeed, only too well do I remember the Government's very definite promise of no conscription. This, by the way. is only one of many of this Government's broken promises; but not only have they broken this promise, but it is now being abused. Why conscript my son, and not the appellant or conscientious objector? Conscription as laid down by this Government is purely a farce, for it simply means as was stated at an R.S.A. conference recently, that no man need go to the war if he wishes to refuse. There is a vast army of "conchies" and appellants in this country who are holding cushy jobs whilst our boys (and I mean "boys." as I know one boy who has been through Greece and Crete anrfis not yet 20) are overseas protecting their jobs for them. I dare say the Government will do nothing with this vast army until it has collected their votes, after we have had an election. Of course, when one remembers who are running this country, one cannot expect much eise, Nevertheless, it is prettv. tough when one man can be compelled to go and fight for the other, who in most cases has not the guts to go. It is high time the Government carried out a definite plan of conscription and put an end to this appeal and " conchie racket. I am. etc., Democrat. Diinedih. October 8.