ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 15, 12 October 1918, Page 8

ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

CRITICISED AT GREYMOUTH. By TeleKrauh.—Press ABSooiatlon. Croymouth, October 11. The Patriotic Association- at its meet-, ing tonday passed a resolution to the effect 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, and that the Government be asked to make representations to tho_ Imperial authorities to cease conferring these orders for the following reasons:—

1. That while so many loyal subjects of tho King are working throughout the length and breadth of the country in patriotic movements, it is unwise to attempt to single out for special distinction an individual or individuals. 2. That it is a reflection on patriotic sentiments to suggest that any loyal citizen requires such 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 the communities and patriotic bodies that have since the commencement of the war worked loyally together. 4. That, the general opinion exists that political patronage has a great deal to do in the selecting of recipients,, and in the best interests of the Dominion this Grey Patriotic Association is of the opinion that it would be better to at once cut the conferring of these, decorations off at the root.