LABOUR AND RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 September 1938, Page 2

LABOUR AND RETURNED SOLDIERS.

[To the Editor]

Sir, —In a recent issue of the “Thames Elector,” issued with the approval of Mr. J. Thorn, as part of his electoral campaign, the following passage occurs which should make interesting reading for all returned soldiers:—“lt must be remembered that the returned soldier cannot be considered apart from the rest of the community and that he participates in the improvements the Labour Government has given to the mass of the people as well as enjoys the benefits specially conceded to himself.”

He then proceeds to quote a number of so-called benefits that they have received under Labour legislation, but neglects to state that these benefits are general, and a portion of them are also granted to aliens that have only been in the country a few months. If the returned soldier thinks that this is doing justice to a body of men who have suffered in health owing to their service to their country, then by all means vote for Labour at the coming election. If he thinks otherwise, he knows what to do on election day. I know that the returned men as a body claim that they are entitled to special consideration for services rendered to their country in time of peril, apart from the recent legislation, and which does not come into force until April of next year. I would suggest that the Digger ask himself just what the Labour Government has done (after three veaTs in power) for the returned soldier. Hoping an abler pen than mine will tako the matter up.—l am, etc., “DIGGER.”