THE CORONATION

North Canterbury Gazette, Volume 6, Issue 65, 6 April 1937, Page 4

THE CORONATION

No one with any common sense will take exception to the references to “flag-waving” in our reprint in Friday’s issue of The Manchester Guardian's comments on forms of celebration of the Coronation. Waving Union Jacks is probably as good for a nation as coloured ribbons are good _ for a football team, and patriotism, though “not enough,” yet means, a good deal. But true patriots will

not be able to wave their flags with really patriotic vigour while they can still see the need fordoing something which would serve a more useful purpose. The Guardian's comments apply more closely to England than New Zealand, but even New Zealand is not so perfect that it can afford to ignore such warnings as those we quoted from the Bishop of Chichester or the Guardian. Poverty is not hard to And very far from home and, even if it were, an occasion which we should still be proud to regard as historic should be an excuse for "memen“toes more durable than flag-wav-“ing or feasting.” Christchurch has arranged a concert. Kaiapoi has arranged nothing. Rangiora is to have a few more lights than usual. It is to be hoped the Empire and its Monarchy will last longer than these memorials. However, any lack of enterprise there may be locally will serve a useful purpose if it directs the public attention towards the Memorial Fund opened by the Government. The Mayor’s appeal deserves enthusiastic support.