FLAG CONSECRATION CEREMONY

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 190, 10 May 1934, Page 10

FLAG CONSECRATION CEREMONY

Presbyterian Criticism OLD CONTEMPTIBLES’ EMBLEMS B.v Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, May 9. Exception has been taken by Auckland Precbyterians to the mantel- of the consecration of the colour and the flag of the New Zealand branch of the Old Contemptibles’ Association last month, and also to the design of the windows for the war memorial shrine in the museum. At a meeting of the Presbytery last night Mr. F. W. Matthews said that the flag was a national one, and the consecration ceremony should have been held in the Town Hall. Theii proper place was in the Hall of Memories in the War Memorial Museum, and not in St. Matthew’s Anglican Church. “The calm assumptions of our Anglican brethren seem to pass without, efficient protest,” he said, "and by our apparent acceptance of them we seem to acquiesce.” The clerk (the Rev. A. M. Elliffe) referred to a report that in the design for the windows for the war memorial shrine the shields were shown as representing the Anglican Diocese of Auckland. Referring to the consecration of the flag, the Rev. Lawson Marsh said they ought all to have been more alive to tile situation but they must recognise that the thing had been done. The Rev. I. E. Bertram: When tilings are done in the corner they should be pulled out into the light. Mr. Marsh moved that the public questions committee consider whether a private letter should not be addressed expressing regret at what had been done and that the Presbyterian Church had not been represented. The memorial windows should also be considered. The Rev. W. J. Comrie said he did not favour the-letter being private. Mr. Marsh withdrew the word “private” and the motion was carried. OFFICIAL REPLY Secretary Explains Position By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, May 9. “If we did not accept the good intentions of the members of the Auckland Presbytery we should probably accuse them of being impertinent,” said Mr. S. McDonald, secretary of the New Zealand branch of the Old Contemptibles’ Association, in replying to criticism regarding the consecration of the colour and the flag of the branch. "The Anglicans in Auckland as a body had nothing to do with the proposal to hold a consecration ceremony and to deposit the consecrated colours in the Anglican Church. The proposal •came entirely from my association. A motion dealing with the points under criticism was actually moved by a former soldier of the Gordon Highlanders, himself a member of the Presb.vterian Church. Our president is a Roman Catholic and had to obtain special permission from his bishop to attend the ceremony when it was held.” Mr. McDonald said the organisation was not a New Zealand one. As former members of the British Army they held that the ceremony, should be conducted in the church which is the national Established Church of England,