PATRIOTISM IN SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17909, 11 October 1921, Page 6

PATRIOTISM IN SCHOOLS.

NAVY LEAGUE'S PROPOSAL.

UNSYMPATHETIC COMMITTEE

The suggestion for promoting among pupils of Auckland provincial schools a strong patriotic interest in the British Navy was opposed by members of the City Schools Committee at its meeting last evening. The chairman, Mr. G. Pardington, presided.

The question was introduced by a letter ; from the Auckland branch of the Navy League, urging the fostering of the national ideals and aspirations which had made the Empire great. The league desired to obtain permission for its official lecturers to visit schools occasionally and talk briefly to* pupils from Standards 111. to VI. on the objects of the league. The league further proposed to present a Union Jack to every school which had 100 of its pupils enrolled as junior members of the league. It would also arrange to have lantern lectures on sea subjects delivered periodically at suitable centres. The letter further suggested, if the committee approved the objects of the league, that it should • co-operate in the celebration of Nelson Day. October 21. It had been suggested that a good way for the country to supplement the funds of the league would be an egg-collection, which had proved very successful on other occasions. If even a few pupils would contribute a fresh egg each in honour of Nelson Day it would in the aggregate mean a substantial assistance to the league. The reading of the letter caused considerable amusement, the suggested eggcollection evoking ironic comment. The feeling of the meeting was against granting permission for the lectures, members expressing little sympathy with the suggestions contained in the letter. The fostering of any "military" spirit was deprecated, and an opinion was expressed that no good would be served by keeping alive the memory of battles, such as by the celebration of Nelson Day. It was suggested that "if the president or other member of the league met the committe and explained its objects the committee might be converted." It could not definitely refuse the league's request, and the meeting should prove entertaining. A motion that the president or other member be requested to address the committee was then moved. An amendment that the letter be received and laid on the table was defeated, and the motion was carried.