THE COLONELS AND DEFENCE PROBLEMS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21085, 11 July 1938, Page 8

THE COLONELS AND DEFENCE PROBLEMS

To the Ed:tot ol " The litnaru Heral- - * Sir,—Your correspondent “Ex Farmer’’ who is also an ex-soldier seems to be greatly concerned that ths news that the colonels have conveyed to the Pre.s with reference to our land defences should reach some foreign Power, so he rushes up to the front with the news thnt it is not true and we are fortunate. I firmly believe the only way to prevent war is to be prepared for war. What a feeling of security as we lie down at night to think that in New Zealand we have men in our Government who would sooner go to gaol than defend our country in time of war and others who show no sympathy to men who gave their health and risked their lives to make this country safe for them and for their descendants. It behoves all returned soldiers throughout New Zealand to show the leaders of the presen; Government they have still sufficient fighting spirit left to fight for freedom at the next election. “Ex Farmer" seems to know more about the defences of this country than he does about farming, judging by Iris apparent knowledge of them, and I feel grateful to him in that he hopes he did his bit for his coimtry and I can inform him I also helped. Lord Roberts told the British Government that the British Army was too small but was laughed at. These men told the truth about our defences and w ere given running shoes, but we will give some M’s.P. running shoes (not British make) —but made in Japan—at the next election. —I am, etc., RETURNED SOLDIER Pleasant Point, July 7.