New flag

Press, 8 July 1986, Page 20

New flag

Sir, —What is wrong with our present national flag? First, it is not distinctive. I believe not one New Zealander in 10 could accurately describe it or say in what ways it is different from Australia’s. Second, as a Blue Ensign “charged with a badge,” it is a colonial relic. Essentially, the same flag is used by St Helena, the Seychelles, and some British Government departments and yacht clubs. Even tiny Gibraltar, while still a colony, flies its own distinctive and meaningful banner. Third, and most important perhaps, is this question of meaningfulness. Supporters of the present flag may be attached to it by virtue of tradition or because they served under it, but surely not because of the appropriateness of its symbols. Crosses of SS George, Andrew and Patrick, and Southern Crosses do not mean much to most of us; the unique black and white of our sports teams certainly does. — Yours, etc.,

A. M. WORRALL. July 5, 1986.

Sir,—l expect that the only real reason a change has been suggested to our traditional national flag is the unfortunate similarity to the Aussie flag. However, why change our flag, let the Aussies change theirs. If they have not considered it in the past, they soon shall. If our Government continues to worsen our international relationships, no nation shall wish to know us at all, let alone fly a flag which could be mistaken for ours. — Yours, etc.,

M. D. RADCLIFFE. July 5, 1986.