Refusal to Salute.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 279, 4 December 1901, Page 1

Refusal to Salute.

The following is an extract from the letter of Mr James B. Murray, dismissed by the Auckland Education Board on account of the trouble as to “ saluting the flag”:—l made no remarks regarding the Empire’s flag, of a decidedly uncomplimentary character, nor in the slightest degree uncomplimentary. I shall here state the words I used: “I am not going to salute a piece of bunting.” Then I was asked if I would not salute the flag, and I answered : “ No; no flag that ever flew.” I further remarked: “ What a people ! They have torn down the banner of Christianity and set the flag up in its place.” I admit the remark was not just, because the English people, the nucleus of tho Empire, have not taken to flag-saluting, but that part of my remarks was made without long consideration. There was nothing “ uncomplimentary ” to the flag t either said or intended by me. The allegation quoted in the next paragraph commencing 1 These are not the only samples of Mr Murray’s conduct,’ I think I may say that this statement is typical of the manner in which reckless charges are made and supported against me. There is only one answer to such a statement—it is utterly false. What one considers a patriotism another may consider the reverse or blind folly. It is no crime for a oitizen to give an honest opinion on public matters. One may surely hold, and even give expression to, views held and voiced by British Privy Councillors and ex, aud particularly future, Ministers of the Crown, and supported by various British newspapers and magazines. I have always thought, and still think, that one may venture so far at least.