SOUTH AFRICA’S NEW FLAG.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 22 June 1926, Page 7

SOUTH AFRICA’S NEW FLAG.

Eliminating Union Jack. LABOUR SUPPORTS NATIONALISTS., By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. . Reuter’s Telegrams. (Received June 21, 7.55 p.m.) CAPETOWN, June 20. Since Colonel Cresswcll (leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party) issued his manifesto explaining . hi.s support of tho Government’s proposal to introduce a National FJag, excluding the Union Jack, the whole country has been eagerly anticipating whether the Labour Party would support its loader or not. It was generally recognised that the attitude of the National Council of the Labour Party 'would .spell a continuance or otherwise of the pact between the Nationalists and Labour Parties. Consequently tliero was greatest interest in .the secret meeting of the Council which the Labour Ministens attended. After a lengthy discussion, . the Council carried a resolution expressing the . belief that South Africa could best work out its destiny as a member of. the British Commonwealth of Nations ; that the status of South Africa requires that tho Uniqn should possess its own flag; and' that the Council feels such Hag should bo of a de-sign which’ will not remind the peoples of South Africa of past differences between the two white races in this country. They therefore recommend the Government, that a National Flag bo chosen, which does not iiicludo any reference to the past history of the Dutch and English. South .Africans, while approving the principle that the Imperial symbol of the Union Jack and the national symbol representing the national status of South Africa, should bo entirely distinct, and must receive equal official recognition. The National Council expresses an opinion that all steps should be taken to secure, by agreement, a National Flag, which will satisfy the great mass of South. Africans. , Tho resolution thus endorses Colonel Cresswell’s attitude.