RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31277, 25 January 1967, Page 28

RANDOM REMINDER

CEREMONIALS

New Zealand, for all its attractions, falls badly behind other countries in the provision of colourful ceremonies. There is no Changing of the Guard, and the people of Christchurch, for instance, have to make do with a file of constables marching down Hereford street about 9 p.m. So far the crowds to watch have been small. Social Security is a poor sort of substitute for Maundy Money, and the department might be able to do something suitable on pay-out days. Fancy dress outfitters have been having a lean time and would welcome the change. There might be some sort

of equivalent, of tossing the pancake, if New Zealand women could be persuaded to spend a little more time in the kitchen. An overseas tradition unlikely to find favour in New Zealand, however, is the one observed in Mexico; on National Traffic Police Day, the public is given a chance to show its appreciation of traffic officers, and there was a report that the traffic officers stood proudly among growing piles of gaily-wrapped parcels. It is a pity that New Zealand motorists do not show a similar regard for those who control the roads. There is a rather prevalent

feeling among the citizenry that they are all Robin Hoods and that the traffic officers are all Sheriffs of Nottingham. The traffic men have a difficult task; by and large they perform their duties with consideration and courtesy. If the Mexicans love their traffic policemen, why can’t we? After . all, the men in blue show, among their attributes, considerable generosity, and give things away regularly. Why not show proper appreciation of the traffic department? I"houghtful little gifts would not cost much —some corn plasters for the meter maids, perhaps an eversharp pencil for the men.