THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 281, 25 November 1921, Page 6

THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

(By Telecranh.—Parliamentary Reported WELLINGTON, Thursday. Complaint was made by Mr. Witty in the House that everyone arriving in New Zealand from overseas has to take the oath of allegiance, though they might be well known to be loyal citizens. For instance he thought it farcical that Sir J. G. Ward, a previous Prime Minister, should have to take this oath. Sir Win. Herries: So did I. Mr. Witty declared it time to do away with the oath under such circumstances, but a loud chorus from members showed that the suggestion was unpopular. The Premier, to whom the question was addressed, said he had some sympathy with it, because when he landed everyone was called on to make the affirmation. He did not object, though if it was possible he would like to see the process avoided in the case of people living in the country, and known to be loyal citizens, bnt on inquiry he found it difficult to make distinctions. '"There's very little in it," added Mr. Massey, "I had only to sign a document."