TWO POINTS OF VIEW

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 110, 11 May 1935, Page 8

TWO POINTS OF VIEW

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—The main portion of the Jubilee proceedings in the Capital City was a review of troops, and was described by "The Post" as a great. military parade. ' After: the addresses of congratulation. had been given by the Governor-General, members of the clergy, the Mayor, and Acting Prime Minister, the \ National Anthem' was sung and then the. march past of present and past military forces took place. It is. not niy. intention to, belittle the heroic men who took part in the. last war, but I wish to point out that- the citizens of ( Wellington1 stood and watched detachments of ■ troops pass by, including large numbers of schobl cadets and that these only were given outward recognition on this impressive occasion. No woman took part ha the procession, no civilians representing trade, professions, art, education, architecture*, shipping, transport services, medical (civilian) or beneficial services. One could not avoid a feeling of hopelessness as the realisation of what the march past of men carrying arms really expressed. -All the emphasis was ■ laid ' upon trained forces andiipon the young cadets being reared in a military atmosphere. Neglect to include women and civilians in such festivities and rejoicings can have only one outcome which some day will be realised by every person, that is, a gradually awakening consciousness that our present civilisation; and present customs are based on fear. The day of Silver Jubilee could have been devoted to groups under inspiring leaders expressing the hopes of the Dominion's people for reconstruction of their lives, for improvements in homes, in transport, in the use of electricity.' Decorated booths, decorated streets, and a procession of civilians in cars would have inspired the onlookers, who now; have a feeling of fear and despair nurtured daily by the Press which insists on greater preparation for war.-' The emphasis laia on destruction can be 'combated by ourselves, by becoming aware of the civilisation we h%ve created through fear due to economic insecurity. Our first duty:is to study the creation and control of the nation's credit and to learn how to apply j money wisely1 to' banish fear and poverty for ever from the British Empire. When the Empire, has settled the money question other nations will follow out example

with thankfulness and deep relief, the race to produce more armaments will subside, peace will reign over the earth and good will shall be estab-lished.—l-am, etc., '

MARY GRAHAM.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —We hear a lot about patriotism and loyalty to the King, but last Monday's performance was not a marked demonstration as far as Wellington is concerned. Whilst London and: other parts of the Empire were going mad, Wellington seems to have been celeI brating a funeral! What little flagwaving there was was done by small children, and there was not a single cheer for his Majesty or the boys who turned out in - the cold to do him honour. His Majesty rode in State through the Capital City amongst his subjects. Could there not have been a similar procession here? What is the matter with our City Fathers that they could not have worn regalia for a day? Perhaps an election was of more importance than rejoicing over our Sovereign's Silver Jubilee. We are not all able or asked to attend at homes, State balls, or'receive Jubilee Medals. We- are none the less loyal, and like a little show and fun.—l am, etc., OLD-TIMER. ,