Others’ Points of- View

Northland Age, Volume IX, Issue 65, 24 May 1940, Page 3

Others’ Points of- View

The “Age” is in no way identified with opinions expressed by Correspondents

NATIONAL DAY OP PRAYER Sir. King George VI and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth were crowned King and Queen of England and the British Commonwealth of Nations. The King pledged himself to the great destiny of the nation. Amidst the

august grandeur of the scenes in the Westminster Abbey the King took the oaths and said “I am willing . . all this I promise to do.” The King and Queen knelt at the altar, partook of the Bread and Wine, symbols of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God. They rose and put on their crowns, and taking their sceptres in their hands returned to their thrones. That same day Herr Hitler telegraphed congratulations to King George : “Your Majesty be granted a long and happy reign for the welfare of Great Britain and Ireland, the overseas British Dominions and India as well as in the interests of the preservation of world peace.” (Wellington Dominion, May 13th, 1937). I appeal through your paper to the people in the Far North of New Zealand to remember the King’s request for Sunday, May 26, to be a National Day of Prayer, and I trust the prayers of our people will be fervent, sincere and long, offered by surrendered hearts to God in this day of grave crisis.” May God bless and increase the forces of Righteousness, Justice and Peace, greatly weaken the forces of evil and barbarianism and brutality and deceit. “God Save Our Gracious King,” our British Realm and the principles of the Church. Yours, etc., HARRIS WHITFIELD. THE PEASANTS OF NEW ZALAND Sir, —Judging by an article in your paper it appears that we are still blessed with armchair farmers, the latest addition to the ranks being Dr. Sutch. Taking your report of a lecture delivered to a W.E.A. class in Otago as being correct one cannot help but admire the gentleman for his frankness. The farmers have been seen through the eyes of Dr. Sutch; that is something—they have at least been observed. No doubt it was such men who caused Robert Burns to pen his famous poem. The real gem of the lecture was the following: “Unlike the peasants of other countries the farmers of New Zealand are treated on a level with the rest of the community.” As real satire this quotation is outstanding, all the more so considering that thousands of farmers in New Zealand no doubt really believe, rightly perhaps, that Dr. Sutch has not yet reached their own social standard. With all their faults the farmers of this country are doing their duty, even to carrying the “Doctor” along. Mention is made of town versus country feeling. Why aggravate the position a little more. In my opinion Dr. Sutch should be consigned to a cow-yard for three months, where he could be taught to sing “The Volga Boatman.” A position is always open to all, “Sutch.” I am, etc., NULLI SECUNDUS.