THE SECOND DIVISION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVI, Issue 16231, 29 March 1917, Page 7

THE SECOND DIVISION.

To tHie Editor of the "Timaru Herald."

S'ir, —-In reading the letter signed by ."Second Division No. 2," I gather that the writer does not seem to realise the difference betwen a married man with domestic and f : naneial obligations which have been entered into with the sole purpose of protecting his wife and children nnd a young unmarried man, of the First Division, very few _of whom have domestic responsibilities. It was never intended or thought when the oav lists for soldiers were first compiled that married men. ns generally understood by the Second Division, would be called upon under such 'pay conditions, nor was it thought that the present pensions would have to apply to married men. "Second Division No. 2" will understand thai; all the trouble he refers to must have some*' foundation in fact, when so many • leagues are forming with the one expressed purpose, viz., more pay and better scaie of pension. Is it likely i'f the need be non-existent that sacli a strong deputation consisting of a;l classes should urge the Chnstclvurch City Council to take the matter up with the Government? I refer "Second Division No. 2" to the report in the "llmaru Herald" of the newly fomed Temuka League. I am inclined to agree that Second Division men should organise their own aifairs. We do not want "large pay," we ■ want only a fair and reasonable thing. We have £12,840,000 odd of a surplus in one year's trading. Have we no right to demand some of this for the wife who has to break up the home, lose her husband, and sacrifice her to a large extent? Our children's children, need' not worry •while such -wealth is in New Zealand.—l am, ets., FAIR DEAL.