OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 177, 27 June 1938, Page 8

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —1 thank Mr W. Jc Crawford for his courteous reply, excepting of course his reference to my unfortunate lack of education and my stupidity. His lack of tolerance is overlooked —his dignity and vanity are vindicated. Members’ of both Houses when being sworn in take the oath or affirmation of allegiance to His Majesty the King. What appears to worry Mr Crawford is that some Labour members did not use the Bible when the oath was being administered; undoubtedly this is the impression he wishes to broadcast. No, Mr Crawford, you are in no way concerned about how the oath was taken; you have suffered no sanctimonious disturbance; but you have cunningly endeavoured to revert to the old political stunt of creating doubt from a sacrilege point of view. The people have been warned to expect thi§ so I think you have missed badly. Thomas Bracken had this class of politician in mind when lie wrote this verse in “Not Understood”;

Not understood, poor souls with stunted vision- _ , > Oft measure giants by this narrow gauge; The poisoned shafts of falsehood and derision , Are oft impelled ’gainst those who mould the age Not understood. -I am, etc.. y.]3.s.