The Waipa Post. PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 1914. PATRIOTISM.

Waipa Post, Volume VII, Issue 342, 21 August 1914, Page 4

The Waipa Post. PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 1914. PATRIOTISM.

IT is not always the demonstrative who are necessarily the most patriotic. It is deeds, rather than words, that prove the true patriot. On divers occasions we will fervently give voice to expressions of allegiance to out country and to our King ; we will forget minor disputes —for the moment —and,join in the national cry: " God Save the King ! " That is loyalty—not patriotism. Patriotism is deeper in the hearts of men, andalthough,by expressions of loyalty we may indicate patriotism, it is not until the shadow of war falls over the nation that patriotism truly manifests itself. A month ago peace reigned amongst the greatnations; to-day millions of men are engaged in a Titanic war. A month ago millions of tongues expressed loyalty to their King; to-day millions of men zealously and unselfishly devote themselves to the service of their country. Minor differences have been forgotten, as the stress of war makes national unity an absolute necessity. Britain has forgotten the Home Rule question, and the armed Nationalists and Ulstermen stand side by side. Russian strikers at the mere whisper of war went instantly and loyally to work; and in France the Socialists fell into line with the Government. Even English suffragettes declared that they were British citizens first and suffragettes second. In every quarter of the globe the sons of Britain have forgotten all differences that existed; political parties have united, and with one accord have yielded moral, financial, and personal assistance for the defence and protection of the Empire. In New Zealand has been evidenced a very genuine and general spirit of true patriotism. Our sons have freely offered their services for the defence of the, Empire, and citizens —Maori and pakeha alike —have joined in rendering whatever assistance is possible. But in no single instance can greater patriotism be found than at our very door, where the farmers have tried to determine upon some method of satisfactorily providing for a period of unemployment which may cause very serious hardship to the city worker. At' a recent meeting of the Farmers' Union at Te_ Awamutu ways and means were considered whereby the farmers would be able to relieve the distress which must result in an even temporary and general period of unemployment. To the proposals submitted we are indifferent : they may be practicable, or they ma: aotbe. It is the principle underlying the action which is of value. Less than twelve months ago the very men the farmers now seek to assist, blindly following their leaders, sought to destroy the farmers' very existence. But all that is forgotten, as to-day is not the time for sectional differences or class disputes. The farmers can afford to treat lightly the past; city and rural workers stand side by side, forgetting what might have been if —. The local branch of the Farmers' Union will be applauded by every section of the community. The committee it has appointed may or may not be successful in its undertaking, but it may rest assured that public support will not be lacking, and that assistance will be freely offered. In commercial circles we would like to think that the same spirit of patriotism prevails. We do not suggest that it does not, although it is regrettable that it has been deemed expedient to tie the hands of commerce by the introduction of special legislation to govern the sale of foodstuffs. The merchant who gives demonstration of loyalty and publicly declaims his patriotism while j within the four walls of his warehouse, he turns war to his own advantage, is nought but a hypocrite and a humbug. He does not deserve the protection of the flag under which he shelters. We will hope that whatever legislation may have been placed upon the Statute Book is but a precaution, and that our commercial men, as though unfettered

by the set conditions of law, will see to it that the necessities

of life are not placed beyond the reach of any citizen, and that the public are in nowise exploited. When war clouds gather every citizen owes something to his country. It is then that patriotism or actions, count; it is then that loyalty proves its' worth. But patriotism —like charity—begins at home. New Zealand so far has in nowise been lacking.