SYMBOLS OF LOYALTY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11252, 3 July 1922, Page 8

SYMBOLS OF LOYALTY

IS PATRIOTISM ASSISTED? DEBATE AT VICTORIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. AN ADVERSE VOTE. “That insistence upon external symbols of loyalty retards rather than assists true patriotism, formed the 'subject of a public debate iby the Victoria University College Debating Society. The mover, Mr C. E. Ball, was seconded by Mr Moses Ayrton, while the opposer, Mr C. Q. l’ope, was supported by Sir J. P. Luke. Mr Ball said..tha)fc the prevailing unrest and dissatisfaction were largely due to economic causes, and could not be construed as “disloyalty.” At any rate, compulsory symbols couild not touch the root of the matter. The oath recently imposed on teachers had been either ■unnecessary or useless ; if it were intended to detect those whoso opinions were not strictly orthodox it had failed entirely. If patriotism was to be cultivated: there should 'be an emotional appeal based on the best parts of national history. Meaningless formalities and ceremonies only obscured the matter. Mr Ayrton held that the harm lay, not in the symbols, but in their abuse. In New Zealand compulsory symbolism in loyalty was being exploited for political purposes, and the elimination of all form of cant was one of the needs of the day. True patriotism was to be found only in ensuring to every member of the community a decent standard of living and! reasonable housing conditions. These problems were daily becoming more pressing, and ho solution was to be found by compulsory symbols of any kind. The way to foster patriotism and devotion to country was to make the country in 'the highest degree worthy of that devotion. For the negative, Mr Pope contended that as a people the British were inclined to hade their patriotism, and it was necessary to provide means for the expression of their sentiments. Every nation had its appropriate symbols, and those now required in tills country were peculiarly British in their nature. No loyal member of the community could regard the practices as o<ut of place, but, on. the contrary, they were essential to encourage a true spirit of patriotism. Sir John Luke said that conditions in any country could only be improved gradually, and the Government was doing everything possible in this direction. Meanwhile, at was neoessary to counteract the many disloyal influences in this country. He referred to the classes who are already required to take the oath of allegiance, and contended that the 6ohool teacher held a position that made it necessary to ensure unqualified loyalty. It would be found thait the taking of oaths was a practice universally approved, and Scriptural authority could he quoted in support. A number of other speakers participated, generally supporting the motion and emphasising that whatever value symbols had. When expressed voluntarily was destroyed by the introduction of compulsory and stereotyped forms. After the leading speakers had replied, the motion was put to the meeting and carried by a very large majority. The judge, Mr G- G. G. Watson, M.A.. LiL.B., placed the best speakers in the following order: — Messrs Davidson, Pope, Campbell, Wood, Free; and Miss Patterson.