But this feeling, which permeates all classes of the community in this portion of the dominion, is not confined to Otago. The publication of the results of the war census has produced elsewhere in New Zealand, notably in Auckland, expressions of opinion similar to those which in Otago have particularly struck Dr McNab.
The fact that 34,386 men of military age have shamelessly averred that they are not prepared to move a finger, either on active service abroad or in some civil domestic occupation, seems to have brought home, with telling force, a sense of the sheer injustice of the voluntary system of enlistment during a war which may strain the resources of the Empire to the uttermost.
Why, it is pertinently asked, should the ignoble souls, who are of fighting age and are physically fit to fight, be allowed to escape what should be a common duty?
• The following excerpts from a letter written by Sergeant Cam. Campion to his parents (says the Wanganui Chronicle) are of interest:- ‘‘This hospital is run entirely by women - all red-hot suffragettes, of course. Women doctors, women nurses, and servants; just a few R.A.M.C. men to take care of any violent cases.
''I had just about made up my mind that women nurses, where war work was concerned, were a dead failure - I had seen the wrong class I guess. It needs women of strong character and innate refinement.
''We have them here in plenty. Somehow I couldn't place any confidence in a women doctor - which only goes to show how hard old prejudices and habits grip one.''
• In the course of mustering operations on Mount Pisa Station about 20 sheep found their way on to a small ledge of rock on the face of the precipitous cliffs bordering the Kawarau River (says the Lake County Press).
All efforts to dislodge the animals with the assistance of dogs proved unavailing, and on Wednesday morning a party of Arrowtown residents equipped with ropes and other tackle went out to attempt a rescue. They safely reached a point about 40ft above where the sheep were located, but further progress appeared to be impossible.
At length, Mr Chas. Johnston, who is an expert in mountaineering, was lowered down to the ledge by means of a rope, and after some perilous work he captured a sheep. The animal was attached to a rope, and was soon hoisted to terra firma.
Fourteen sheep were saved in this way, but the remainder found their way to inaccessible places and were ultimately shot. The hazardous nature of Mr Johnston's undertaking may be gauged from the fact that for upwards of two hours he was working on a ledge of rock about 2ft in width, above a sheer drop of about 400ft to the Kawarau River.
• The great success that attended the school swimming carnival in the Municipal Baths yesterday should, coupled with similar evolutions, go far to justify the large expenditure of ratepayers' money in providing a tepid bath where youngsters can, in all weathers, learn the very necessary art of natation.
All the schools in the Dunedin district sent squads of boys and girls to take part in the display, consequently the bathing pool swarmed with young fry, and parents in the gallery were able to see the gratifying progress made by the children during the past year.
Everyone was delighted with the display, and many were naturally astonished at the aquatic skill displayed.
The greatest credit is due to Mr and Mrs Olds for the evident care they have taken in training their pupils on right lines, and the children are to be complimented on the way in which they have profited by the instruction given.
- ODT, 14.12.1915.
