DOMINION DAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7915, 26 September 1911, Page 4

DOMINION DAY

"It is of the utmost importance," said his Excellency the Governor, at the Town Hall last night, "that a national enthusiasm. should be aroused, based on patriotism and public service.” No one, we take it,' would care to contradict this Statement. Tot it is far removed from platitude. National, enthusiasm is merely another term for the sense of citizenship, for the love of country. Anything, therefore, which assists in the manifestation of this quality—which, even momentarily, permits society to realise the essential unity of men—exercises a useful influence in the State. The observance of Dominion Day already fulfils this purpose with a thoroughness which gives strong encouragement for future hope. As his Worship the Mayor very properly observed, the day is not to be regarded as an occasion tor " bragging about our loyalty." That, at any time, represents degradation. Swelled heads and inflated chests would ill become the participant!; in such ceremonies as now take place each year throughout New Zealand. Whatever differences there may be among men they certainly share in two things—-

the history and the destiny of their race. It is good therefore that on one day of the year they should meet on the common ground of citizenship, bearing witness to iitido in their heritage and to lovo of their homeland. A love of country among the rising generation is the surest guarantee of protection those institutions established by their fathers can. have. Without a national enthusiasm self-government would be a positive danger. The inauguration of Dominion. D;i3 r may, we think, bo compared with tbo planting of a seed, destined in time to show a noble growth. The ceremonies of the day, in the words of the Prime Minister, “ afford a practical means whereby all classes of the community can join .... to show attachment to their country, the flag and throne/" So long as this is done in a spirit of restraint may we look towards this day becoming one of the most important in our calendar.