A GRIEVANCE.

Southland Times, Issue 17933, 26 January 1917, Page 2

A GRIEVANCE.

To the Editor. Mr Editor, Sir, with pained surprise I read your critique on our mode of life: Pray, how can we further economise? We've suffered enough through this tiresome strife, ’Tis true we’ve more money than ever before, But it came our way and we need it too. War profits, you say, and a goodly store. Well, mayhaps you’re right, hut its only our due. Why should we not ride in our motor cars? Why should we not guzzle our whisky and wine? What matter to you tho’ we lounge at bars. Nor study the cost when we meet to dine? You harrow our souls with Serbian woes. With Belgian wrongs and such tales of war That we needs must frequent the picture shows To banish those fears and horrors afar. We gave our old clothes to the Belgians too, Turned out every garment our eyes could see, And just got our taiior-mades smart and new’ When the fashions changed—and so did we. The latest In hats and shoes are so dear. And petrol lias reached a fabulous price. The poor man you dare not rob of his beer. Tobacco? Impossible that sacrifice! We go to the races excitement to seek But once now and then all sportsmen go there; We give to the war funds our threepence a week, And give the Red Cross what time we can spare; While soldiers must wade knee-deep in the mud. Face hunger and cold and the pains of hell. To live on the price of our brother’s blood In pleasure and peace, you say is not well. I am, etc., PERPLEXED.