ENGLAND AND THE ENGLISH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19558, 10 February 1927, Page 6

ENGLAND AND THE ENGLISH.

Sir, —As one who is, at any rate, 0 f cosmopolitan descent (my four grandparents being respectively English, Irish bcotch and Cornish), I have been much interested in the correspondence on tha above subject. I think it will be conceded that we colonials give place to no one in our loyalty to the Empire and to the person of the Sovereign. Despite the objections of certain people, wo continue to speak of the British Isles as Home (even those of us who have never been there), and look to the British Parliament for guidance in all matters relating to international politics. At the same time, I do think that the emphasising of "English" in our churches, schools 6 newspapers, etc., is apt to create a falsa impression in the minds of those who are not in a position to understand exactly what is intended to be conveyed, more particularly the children. From casual observation it appears to mo that a very large proportion of our immigrants of recent years are English, and while it is only to be expected that for some time at any rate, after their arrival on these shores, they will continue to look at. everything through English eyes, I would suggest, that it is this particular characteristic of theirs, carried in some cases to extremes, that causes colonials to view them with disfavour. Surely the word "British" is sufficiently .alt-embracing to meet all requirements, added to which it would have the advantage of doing away with the apparent egotism involved in the use of the more exclusive word "English" when used in relation to the Empire. It appears to mo that there exists an opportunity for all public writers and speakers to do much for the future of the Empire, by the simple use of a word which is pleasing to all citizens of that Empirt, rather than a word which undoubtedly offends the susceptibilities of many. Britisher.

Sir,—"British New Zealander," in tins Herald, says: "I think it is only right that the terms British and Great Britain should be used when referring to anything of national interest." That opinion will bo endorsed by every unprejudiced observer; also, in this writer's opinion, the English have many excellent natural traits which havo enabled them—with the willing and able assistance of ths Scots—to establish the most perfect democratic institutions, under a limited monarchy, that have over been resolutely opposed to autocratic dictation in politics or religion, thereby deserving the eternal gratitude of humanity. But there is an objectionable flaw in their psychology that certainly does not tend to foster national, or international harmony. They havo a discourteous, and, seemingly, inexcusable habit of sneering at other nationalities, whose racial customs or characteristics, although admirable in many respects, do not "exactly assimilate" with those of their hypercritical English compeers. The traditional belief in "Scottish meanness" especially provides endless copy and entertainment for their readers or listeners, many of whom havo also received much diversion from the legend about a surgical operation being required to onablo the Scotsman to "see a joke." v Woll, probably tho humoursomo way they relish telling a joke against themselves is unequalled among the nations; and, instead of being devoid of humour or slow to see a joke, it is questionable if their quick appreciation of tho humorous drollery oi any related or observed incident or story can bo excelled. Perhaps the most prominent native traits of the English, or Scottish, arc—the improvidence of the former and tho thrift of tho latter, Politically, those traits iu combination allow the currency to circulate freely ss a trade fertiliser and aa an essential means for industrial expansion throughout tho British Empire. It would be a truism to say that thrift does not necessarily imply meanness; nor does improvidence indicate generosity. The former originates from a wiso caution and a common sense appreciation of tho intrinsic value of money, the many material comforts it provides, and the social and political benefits accruing from its rightful distribution. And it is undeniftblo that Scottish thrift and generosity havo been a beneficial factor in the best interests of tho British. Also, when satisfied that goodness is predominant, there is no more faithful friend than tho Scot. Those virtues apply in a more or less degree to tho English. Both are good, or bad, or indifferently good or bad. Practically, in their social, political and religious amenities, they are a kindred people whoso alliance is indispensable lor maintaining their material welfare and national security. Why, then, continue to use any discordant or senselessly offensive references to cause enmity between two relative nations whoso wise, co-operative policy has enabled them to become a great people, respected for their progressive political ideals, and also for their determined hostility toward the enemies of tho liberties and rights of human beings. Win,mm H. K*ay. Takopnna.

Sir, —The letter of "Anti-Bosh" in Tuesday's Herald criticising rnirio in Saturday's is just- such as might be «x----pected from the man in the street who is not given to thinking for himself, bat accepts the current fashions in all things so that ho may be with the majority, end regards nriv attempt to correct its errorJ as "bosh/' vain, absurd and useless.

Ho suggests that as the error now being challenged hftfs not apparently rctwd«a material progress it should be persisted in perpetually. Evidently for a like reason no error need bo corrected. The question of racial origin or fitness need not he considered. I am afraid we are all somewhat mongrel—and it may' He better tf> in view of a possible attainment of universal human brotherhood, which is no* likely to be promoted by even a gr*#t and wealthy section of a people or nstios arrogating to itself an unauthorised or illegal distinction. "Truth is groat ana should prevail," And the only that the use of Britain and British will replace England and English where ib«? are used erroneously is that the press *no public men and services of nil kinds adhere to the correct words. In Monday's pApe* if, was stated "An English mail wooM arrive hv the lonic," instead of a Briti*h mail, and to-day it is stated that as English racing motorist in "a BWtiib cs* had lowered' the world's record, his n*»* being Malcolm Campbell; * strait#* for an Englishman. Tins corwtant repetition of a. wrong does not tnak* it fizut, nor of a Jio make it truth,'nor of ».n error make it correct and proper. Psiirxsti**-