National anthem

Press, 11 February 1986, Page 20

National anthem

Sir,—Did I hear correctly when Mr Lange recently announced that the Government was going to create a Ministry of Disarmament later this year? All I can ask is, have we a group of irresponsible idealists, living in a fantasy world, occupying the Beehive? Surely the first responsibility of government is trusteeship, i.e. the protection of the persons and properties of the citizens over whom the government rules. In an age of increasing violence, in which the law of the jungle (the strong constantly preying on the weak) is sweeping the world, is it not a gross betrayal of trust, and totally unrealistic, to render our country pathetically defenceless and ripe for the picking? Has the Government been given a mandate by the majority of New Zealanders for such potentially dangerous action? Perhaps now, more than ever, we shall need to sing and pray, “God Defend New Zealand.”—Yours, etc., R. THOMPSON. February 4, 1986.

Sir, —I don’t know who composed our national anthem, or by whom it was accepted as relevant to our condition as a nation. However, in the present circumstances and with a defence review soon to be conducted, I would seriously suggest that “God Defend New Zealand” could well be the foundation of a defence policy of greater worth

and reliability than New Zealand has pursued in the past. We now have the opportunity to give the world an urgently awaited lead in how to conduct sane international relationships based on common humanity rather than threats of mutual annihilation. When it comes to the future of mankind, I find the good sense, purpose, and protection of the Creator, far more reassuring than that of any super-Power or alliance.—Yours, etc.,

JOHN BRAND. February 5, 1986.