“ATTITUDE TO WAR”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25101, 17 December 1942, Page 6

“ATTITUDE TO WAR”

Sir, —As a constant reader of your paper I was deeply affected by the report of the City Council proceedings under the heading ‘‘Attitude to War ” in last Tuesday’s issue. ■ The entire absence of comment of any sort reveals the indifference of the average citizen to the welfare of our fighting forces, who have sacrificed, and still are sacrificing, so much for their country. The apathy and selfishness of. too many civilians in the “ all-in ” war effort is enough without our city fathers countenancing even the slightest suggestion of disloyalty. There is an important principle at stake. Preservation from oppression by baser powers cannot be secured except by devoted loyalty to the Empire, which stands for so much. This is the attitude of our fighting men who do “ not want to fight ” but feel it is expected of them that they should do so. All local bodies are representative of the Crown, and the findings of the council show a lack of the true patriotism that is expected of them, especially by those who have gone overseas to keep the enemy from our shores. What should be the concern of all is the welfare of those brave ones when they return home. The country that expects fit men to leave home and fight also expects sacrifice from all its citizens. Those in authority, who have influence with the public, should make the pace.—l am, etc., Patriot. Mornington, December 12.