ORDER OF BRITISH EMPIRE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16341, 12 October 1918, Page 8

ORDER OF BRITISH EMPIRE.

A WEST COAST PROTEST. (press association telegram.) ' GREYMOUTH. October 11. At a meeting of tho Patriotic Association to-day, the following resolution was passed:— "That the attention of tho Government be directed to the dissatisfaction that exists. throughout tho Dominon atf tho extension .)f the Order of tlfo British Empire to this Dominion, and that tho Government bo asked make representations to the Imperial authorities to coase conferring tficso orders for the following reasons: (1) That while ; so many loyal subjects of tho King ore working . throughout tho length ana breadth of the country in , patriotic - movements, it is unwise to attempt .to : single out for special distinction an individual. or individuals; (2) thai it 1* a reflection on patriotic (sentiment, to suggest.that any loyal citizen require* such stimulant to his or her loyalty; (3) that tho conferring of these orders can only giro riso to jealousy, and tend to bring discord amonrr c-oinmiini-c ties and patriotic bodies that haTo since, the commencement of tho war worked? loyally together; (4) that a genoral' opinion exists that political patronago has a great deal to do with tho selection of recipients, and in the host interests of the Dominion, this Grey Patriotic Association is or tho opinion that it would be better to at once cut tho conferring of thoso decorations off ftt the root."