POKENO VALLEY AGAIN AND SALUTING THE FLAG.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 647, 5 July 1921, Page 9

POKENO VALLEY AGAIN AND SALUTING THE FLAG.

Sir„ —Reading a recent issue of the Times I came across a letter by “Historian,” which I take it is a criticism on mine- on the chairman and secretary of the Pokeno Valley branch of the Farmers’ Union. I am very pleased to note the improvement in procedure recorded by your correspondent; not before it’s time, howf, ever, but better late than never. The Farthers’ Union Conference - being over, the branch will expect some revelations re conduct of same from the delegates, who, lam told,-ob-served a discreet silence, and wishing to be regarded as wise men, was surprised in reading “Historian’s” letter, to note that the Farmers’ Union branch at Pokeno is taking the initiative in the dispute re the site of the hall to be built in the district. This subject is a very debatable one, the two ends of the district being at variance over the site. It appears to me a most unfair proceeding for the Farmers’ Union, which has members on both sides, to favour one part of the district. at the expense of the other. If I am any judge it will seriously affect the membership in the near future, not Laving the true ring of unionism to recommend it. Re the latter part of “Historian’s” issue, he has read my meaning in reference to the adjournment, but was very much surprised to hear of its preceeding the close of the* meeting would scarcely have expected such bad manners from enlightened farmers. The Progressive League (Pokeno) held a meeting last week, and, reported replies innumerable to deputations and representations, but unfortunately they were mostly in the on account of not having anything definite so far re the visit ,to uncle, the millions being still in the air, ahd not showing any tendency to come down this way. Have read with some interest and a great amount of surprise the vari•cus opinions re school children saluting the Flag, -and to my mind the daily observance of same will have the effect of making it mechanical. The loyalty of our boys who volunteered for the front in time of need is beyond question, and, in allowing it to go - forth that their younger brothers and sisters require a daily reminder -to insure their loyalty, it appears to me a slight is conveyed towards those who have made the supreme sacrifice in of loyalty as they had very little of saluting the Flag. It would be more impressive to have the young taught by word and deed to respect and cherish the memory of those who died fighting for them; which objective could best be attained by the observance of days set apart, such as Anzac Day, on which the scholars could be assembled at the various soldiers’ monuments or Rolls of Honour and be instructed in the duty of respecting and honouring the names of the men who were decidedly loyal to King and Country. In saluting the Flag it would be appropriate and a graceful act to give honour to that which is raised to the memory of those who fought for it. Their teachers would thus have an opportunity of doing good, work by encouraging respect for the brave and loyal, not like one teacher , t I. know of, who, speaking of the observance of Anzac Day, addressed his scholars thusly: “You must come to the., church on Anzac Day; you can see the monument any day, it’s been there twelve months.” As a matter of fact, it was being unveiled on that Anzac Day, and his school committee had requested him to attend with his scholars. Therefore, I quite hold with teachers having to take the oath of allegiance, they being servants of the State. School Committees are under a different heading being volunteers, and if the qualifications are observed bear the hall mark ©f respectability and public confidence, and their being returnee should be sufficient proof of then loyalty.—l am, etc., PRE-HISTORIC.