SALUTING THE FLAG.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16571, 2 November 1921, Page 8

SALUTING THE FLAG.

MINISTER’S STATEMENT. THE BEST POLICY. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 2. The Alinister of Education (the Hon C. J. Parr) questioned as to whether lie had come to any decision in regard to children who refuse to salute the*, flag, said : “ A circular has been sent to Education Boards, and will appear in the next issue of the ‘ Education Gazette ’ ” This intimates that any child who refrains from taking part in patriotic observances must ' bring a note from his parents that it ‘ is their wish that the child shall take no part. Teachers will also be informed that such child should not be exempted directly, and should not be allowed to separate himself from other children during anv ceremony. Tile objecting child will simply remain among his fellows inactive. 1 feel sure that if teachers tactful!v handle the matter the few children conftrnecT‘ will soon bring suc-h pressure to bear on their parents that, in the majority of cases, they will be allowed to join with tho other children as they most naturally wish to do. Every child loves to join in a ceremony of this kind with his fellows. A parent is really cruel to his child when he instructs him to ' stand out. It is the parents who arete blame, not the child, and it would be a mistake to penalise in any way a child* because he has wrong-headed and misguided parents who persist in staying in Now Zealand under the British flag, and enjoying all the privileges of British citizenship, yet are absolutely disloyal. Air Malcolm’s suggestion that parents should be disfranchised is one that we may \ T et have to consider. The best thing, however, is to leave the matter largely to the tact of teachers and the public opinion of the playground. Most of the cases of difficulty will soon disappear. It can then be considered whether in the small number remaining any action should bo taken.