SOLDIERS OF 1914-18

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27028, 12 March 1949, Page 8

SOLDIERS OF 1914-18

Sir,—l noted Mr Wood's remarks reported in the Daily Times some weeks ago regarding the death-rate of the fellows of the 1914-18 war. Last week I happened to call at the RSA Club, of which I am a member, and mentioned the subject to a fellow-member. “ Yes,” he remarked, “ fifteen passed away this week.”

Surely it is about time something definite was done for the welfare of these old soldiers. I know some still living who fought through Egypt, Anzac and France, and were front-line soldiers. What these men came through one cannot realise unless one had been there himself—mud for a bed (at times), and food, the less said about this the better. This has taken its toll, and will carry on doing so. Why not set up a commission and ask each member to come forward and state his case. Perhaps his wife or children may require assistance or advice, and I quite understand some of these men are too proud to make any appeals. The credits of the canteen funds must stand at some thousands of pounds. Why not hand it out or rehabilitate the old digger and his family for the years he has to face?. I don't suggest he or his family should be helped gratis. He would rather the transaction was done in a businesslike manner and all assistance placed in his family’s name. I trust some other old soldier will carry on this agitation, as something should be done—and immediately. Genuine cases do exist, and their present position has come about through no fault of their own.—l am, etc., Old Digger.