BRITISH EMPIRE ORDER.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1358, 20 June 1918, Page 8

BRITISH EMPIRE ORDER.

DOMINION AWARDS CRITICISED. A WEST COAST OBJECTION. An interesting remit from the Grey, Patriotic Society came before the Dominion Advisory Board of Patriotic Societies, at its meeting this morning. The remit read:—

"That the attention of the Government be directed to the dissatisfaction that exists throughout the Dominion at the extension of the Order of the British Empire to this Dominion. That the Government be asked to make representations to the Imperial authorities to cease conferring these orders for the following reasons:— "(1) That while so many loyal subjects of the King are working throughout the length and breadth of the country in all patriotic movements, it is unwise to attempt to single out for special distinction any individual or individuals. "(2) That it is a reflection on the patriotic sentiments to suggest that any loyal citizen requires any stimulant to his or her loyalty. "(3) That the conferring of these Orders can only give rise to jealousy and tend to bring discord -among committees and patriotic bodies that have since the commencement of the war worked so loyally together. "(4) That a very general opinion exists that political patronage has a great deal to do in the selection of the recipients, and that in the best interests of the Dominion this Grey Association is unanimously of the opinion that it would he better to at once cut the conferring of these decorations off at the root." The board went into committee to discuss the remit, and resumed open meeting about two minutes later. Then it was announced that the matter was outside the scope of the board.