PATRIOTISM

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10954, 1 October 1928, Page 7

PATRIOTISM

“WHAT A CHANGE!” Criticism by the Labour member for Auckland East (Mr J. A*. Lee) in the House of Representatives that the Education Department had only spent £1 of. the £lO voted for the purpose, of providing New Zealand ensigns in the schools prompted the Mihister-in-Charge (Hon. R. A. Wright) to draw attention t Q the wonderful change in the attitude of the Labour-Socialist Party in regard to patriotism. “I am sure it was lpost refreshing to hear Mu- Lee this afternoon speaking on the New Zealand ensign,” said the Minister. “What a change! What a wofulerful change! I am sure the members on this side of the House rejoice over this sinner who has repented. (Laughter). There was a time when he would have made the welkin ring about £lO being placed on the estimates for the New Zealand ensign—” 'file Leader of tlie Opposition (Mr H. E. Holland) : Was that when he was fighting on Gallipoli/ The Minister: No. When he was in this House. It is very refreshing to. know that £lO was a miserable sum— Mr Lee: Only 20s was spent. Twenty shillings worth of patriotism! The Minister: 1 might tell you that the twenty shillings was spent on postage. Mr Lee: Oh! So then nothing was spent on natriotism. The Minister: The Department bought a number of Hags some time ago, but. most of the schools already have the New Zealand ensign. Nobody has asked lor a tree flag. The people are only too ready to pay the cose price of the flag. However, i am glad to know that Mr Lee is looking on the matter in a new light. I think it prophesies hope for the future. (Laughter). ,