Flag ceremonies

Press, 23 April 1984, Page 14

Flag ceremonies

Sir, — Mr Wellington is naive if he thinks compulsory flying of the New Zealand flag engenders patriotism. All one sees is a piece of coloured cloth flapping in the breeze, or hanging limply. How can such a thing teach respect? What country is worthy of respect that has more than 100,000 unemployed, that has an economic and social structure oppressing many, where wealth is reserved for a few, where spending on education and health is cut, where nature is destroyed by government or big business? If the land and the people are to be respected, then those in government are to respect the people they are supposed to serve. Watching alflag fluttering does not teach compassion, respect or understand-

ing. Taking care of the needs of the people in regard to more than adequate wages, housing, clothing, food, and education is more likely to create people who care for each other and the land on which they live. — Yours, etc., KATE GLENDORRAN. April 18, 1984.

Sir,—The ostensible purpose of Mr Wellington’s flag-raising ceremonies was “to restore pride in our country,” but three terms of Mr Wellington’s Government give little grounds for any such pride. With the publication of the latest opinion poll on the state of the parties, the reason for Mr Wellington’s determination to press ahead with his ceremonies becomes clear. He must have had a foreboding premonition of the way the political wind is blowing. The ceremonies are a despairing effort to revive his party’s flagging fortunes.— Yours, etc., M. CREEL. April 18, 1984.