ANTHEM ABOARD SHIPS

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28435, 15 November 1957, Page 22

ANTHEM ABOARD SHIPS

Line Rescinds Decision

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, November 13.

The British-owned Union Castle Mail Steam Ship Company, Ltd., today rescinded its decision to ban “God Save the Queen” after Sunday morning divine service on board ship. In a statement issued today, the company said: ‘‘The chairman and directors of the Union Castle Mail Steamship Company. Ltd., have been very distressed by varying statements appearing in the press and misunderstanding regarding the playing of the National Anthem on board Union Castle ships. ‘‘The chairman and directors wish to slate that the national anthem will be played after the Sunday morning service as heretofore. and on all other suitable occasions as at present. South African Anthem

“On the South African coast both the National Anthem and “Die Stem” 'the Union’s national anthem) will be played as the occasion demands.”

A few days ago, the Union Castle Line said that “God Save the Queen” would not be played on any of its vessels after Sunday morning divine in accordance with shore practice. A number of British newspapers criticised this decision.

Mr Samuel Knox Cunningham • Conservative) raised the matter in the House of Commons today. He urged the Postmaster-General. Mr Ernest Marples, to consider ending, or not renewing, the Government's mail contract with the Union Castle Line until the banning of the British anthem was revoked. The Assistant Postmaster-Gen-eral. Mr Kenneth Thompson, replied that there was no formal mail contract between the British Post. Office and the Union Castle Line. “We must, of course, use the best shipping outlets for the mails,” he said.