TE AWAMUTU COURIER. Printed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. MONDAY, MAY 25th, 1936. OUR TRIBUTE TO THE FLAG.

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 25, Issue 3760, 25 May 1936, Page 4

TE AWAMUTU COURIER. Printed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. MONDAY, MAY 25th, 1936. OUR TRIBUTE TO THE FLAG.

THE ceremonial presentation of Colours to the Waikato Regiment yesterday was as spectacular as it was • inspiring. Behind it all was much for meditation—a meaning which appeals directly to national sentiment In itself the ceremony was a worthy acknowledgement to a regiment which, in a courttry that is yet young, has already a background rich in tradition. As though mindful of this, and itself proud in acknowledgement, the regiment made the presen-

tation an event of brilliant pageantry, executing the somewhat unusual and difficult manoeuvres with form and a degree of-precision that was surprising. In so acquitting itself, the regiment worthily upheld tradition and pride, and a tribute is due to all ranks. The observance of detail, the precision in the manoeuvres was all t’hfe more surprising when it is remembered that officers and men are drawn from all quarters and from all branches of civic life. They are subjected neither to the regular discipline nor training of the barracks; they come from farm and factory, from office and school, to learn the military code, and there was ample evidence on Sunday how well they •have learned. The address of His Excellency was a-notable one; it inspired feelings of pride and acknowledgment. In a graceful way His Excellency paid a worthy tribute to the emblem of the Colours— an emblem which is the very embodiment of all that attunes itself with national sentiment. In an unostentatious Way, Without egoism overriding pride, His Excellency spoke of the Colours as being the emblem of peace, of goodwill and of honour. Its meaning was Empire—its influence far-flung. Behind it all was the solidity of the British Commonwealth, deeper still was the freedom and desire for universal justice Which is the keynote of the British Constitution. With modesty and good -taste His Excellency fringed the sub--jett of internationalism, and showed Britain as one of the bulwarks on "which the peace of the World reposes. As though addressing himself to New Zealand, His Excellency acknowledged that John Bull may at times appear to move slowly, bub- he gave a reminder that solidity is a greater virtue than haste; that judgment born but bf generations of experience is preferable to venturesomeness. Behind his words is a deep significance. ■We, of this generation, have witnessed on many occasions Britain’s influence: how a troubled world has leaned on John Bull’s experience. In New Zealand there may be a lack cf recognition at times; New Zealand is a young country—and youth is impetuous. Lacking in experience and with judgment less tempered by the bur-

dens of responsibility we may be apt at times pursue the hazardous paths of adventure. How, it might well be asked, does the Mother Country view the present haste in this Dominion into untried systems of finance and commerce 1 Maybe she looks on with all of the sympathetic understanding of a generous parent who sees an impetuous and headstrong offspring courting danger—and stands by realising how youth refuses to be curbed and that only experience can teach its lessons. Maybe she acknowledges that tlhe old-time colonising spirit it is not yet dead; that just as the mariners of old followed unknown trails around the seven seas so to-day may more venturesome pilots on the economic seas discover a more orderly code for society. The impetuous Dominion may venture far—who knows where the trail may end? But there is comfort in the emblem of the flag which was sc fittingly honoured yesterday. It means, simply, that there is freedom to-day and tomorrow, if needs be, there is safety and solidity in the place which we so fondly call Home.