NATIONAL DEFENCE LEAGUE

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13928, 11 June 1909, Page 3

NATIONAL DEFENCE LEAGUE

(To the Editor.)

Sir, — To speakers and hearers at the irui-ting in the theatre to-niyht, uml.'i tho auspices of the above league, I would commend a cartoon by F.C.G. ' in tho Westminster Gazette, just to ha. ul. It is entitled a "New Life." .Joim Bull is in a new dress; he has (lisi arded the squire's breeches and hat, and has donned a military uniform, , ami is as straiyht in the back as a J drill instructor can make him. Then I Mrs. Britannia comes on the scene with , ""'What on earth are you doing in that i get-up, John.''" John Bull replies: ! "I've been reading some patriotic arI tides in the newspapers, and I'm going Ito try and live a new life." Mrs. Britannia lejoins- "Don't bo silly! Can't ' you be patriotic and remain British as wvll''" It is to be hoped that New ' Zctiland will be patriotic and yet not i l)e lid into being "silly" by party tactics, however plausible, or by unreasonalili stare. — I am, etc., GEO. H. MAUNDER.