NATIONAL ANTHEM.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 1, 3 January 1927, Page 9

NATIONAL ANTHEM.

" SIGNAL TO LEAVE." WHAT DIGGERS THINK. The Federal Congress of the Returned Soldiers' League lias recommended to State branches to use their influence to have the National Anthem played at the commencement of an entertainment, rather than at the end of it, in order to ensure a more strict regard for the Anthem. At a meeting of the State says the "Sydney Evening News," the president, Colonel Hyman, who was a delegate to the congress, declared that the recommendation was timely, as no one could shut his eyes to the fact that some people accepted the first bar of the anthem as the signal to rise from their seats, put on their hats and walk out. It was just thoughtlessness on their part, and to overcome it. it was desirable to have the antliem played before the curtain rises. Mr. L. C. Elliott contended that if people were thoughtless enough to walk out during the playing of the anthem they would be thoughtless enough to walk in. "Australians would stand up to any test of loyalty." said Mr. J. W. Cox, •'and would challenge any other spction of the Empire in practical patriotism, but I. for one. object tc flag flapping and hooraying." Mr. F. Davison was of the opinion that audiences in the main stood strictly to attention while the National Anthem was played. He did not think they were deserving of rebuke. Dr. Brissenden, K.C., told the meeting that he had been assured by an English visitor that Australians were impressive in their response to the playing of the anthem.

' The meeting decided merely to pub lisli the recommendation of the Con gross, without taking any action.