Govt. Delays Anzac Day Change

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30882, 15 October 1965, Page 3

Govt. Delays Anzac Day Change

(N Z Press Association). WELLINGTON. October 14. There will be no i change in the observance of Anzac Day next year, the “Review,” the official I organ of the N.Z. R.S.A. reported today. Hopes of a liberalised Anzac Day in 1966, with holiiday activities permitted from 1 p.m.. had been dashed—be- ■ cause the Government had no

| time this session to discuss | the “new look” observance [with interested groups, said j the report. Advice to this effect had been received from i the Government. i At its annual conference in I Wellington this year, the Doi minion council of the N.Z.R.S.A. voted almost unanimously in favour of a liberalised Anzac Day. and the necessary representations were made to the Government. The suggested liberalisation included the holding of race meetings and the openi ing of hotels.

' The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Seath) has written to the Dominion president of the R.S.A. (Mr H. Mitchell) stating that the provisions of the current legislation will still apply for next year. Mr Seath said: “On receipt of your original letter 1 asked the Department of Internal Affairs to examine your proposals and to let me have a report as soon as possible. “I am now firmly of the opinion that they would require considerable interdepartmental discussions, as

well as negotiations with i other interested groups. “1 am afraid there is no possibility of these proposals receiving the mature consideration they deserve m time for any alteration to the existing law during the present Parliamentary session. “In these circumstances, and because of the considerable importance which is attached to these proposals, both by your association and the general public, I think the wisest course would be for me to as'-. the Department of ■ Internal Affairs to initiate I discussions on your proposals

with all interested groups with a view to having a report ready for consideration by the Government prior to your annual conference next year.

“I think it would be desirable for you to advise local branches of the R.S.A. that: there is no prospect of the Government reaching a decision on any change in time for observance of Anzac Day. 1966. and. accordingly, the provisions of the current legislation will still apply for that year."