SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 21, 24 July 1940, Page 8

SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

(To the Editor.)

i Sir, —I was very glad to read tonight the letter from "Briton, and Proud of It." My feelings on the matter are the same as the writer. When we of the First' Expeditionary Force were in Egypt every theatre we attended played first "Tipperary," followed by the King, which we sang. The management knew perfectly well what would happen failing these tunes. I was present at the Basin Reserve when the officers and men of the Achilles were welcomed. The day was perfect and the crowd the largest I have seen in Wellington. I climbed on to the back of the dais, where representative people were seated, and was thrilled as the gallant men went by, first the Jack Tars, then the Royal Marines. Did the important people rise and cheer? No. I had to barge in and call for three cheers for the Royal Navy and again three cheers for the Royal Marines. I was conscious of several of the important heads being turned in my direction to see who was shoving in his oar. This damped my ardour, and.l did not have the courage to call for "Sons of the Sea" to be sung as they marched away, although I was sure the crowd would Have enjoyed singing "All British Born." I am busy mounting a new flag pole as we must "keep our colours flying."—l am, etc.,

WHITE MAORI, AND PROUD OF IT.

"John Bull" writes that it is most pleasing to read where someone has drawn public attention to the singing of the National Anthem at picture theatres and at other places where the opportunity presents itself. But the correspondent holds that the public cannot be altogether blamed for not singing, as what is mostly played at the commencement of picture shows is but a portion of the National Anthem, immediately followed, without pause, by the picture programme. "Here is a splendid chance for picture theatres to start something that should combat all patriotic songs sung by the enemy. I can hardly imagine Hitler or Mussolini clipping their national anthems in half. . . . Moreover, what is wrong with patrons singing 'God Defend New Zealand'? It's worth it, or we would not go to pictures and sit cosy, oblivious of external strife." ' .

Christina Saville also commends the suggestion that the people should join in the singing.