Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1918, Page 2

Thk Competitions which arc to take place this week are an event which should have the practical sympathy of all who take an interest in the advancement of the young people. Th 0 gathering is designed chiefly to encourage the young folk to study elocution and improve their speaking ways; also, ttie intention is to turn their minds to national subjects, and cultivate a right spirit in regard to what is best in our nntionn] literature. The bov g and girls of to-day are to bo the men and women of to-morrow, and while their education is cared for by the State so far as tne three E’s are concerned, there is a duty cast on ench and every community in sfo that something is done to lift the children’s minds outside the limits of a settled school course which is not broad enough to take in all the phases of life which go towards moulding the growing minds. Outside of the settled school routine a great deal can be done by communities to assist towards the end indicated, and competitions for the betterment and broadening of the mind are in the cato-

gory, Pride of race is altogether for the- well-being of a people. A people without an interest in its own literature and in the deeds w£ieh helped in the past to build it up, arc moribund and threatened with decay. History is ever in the making and we cannot live on tho memories of the past. It is omy by tlio deeds of tho present that a pooplo survive and the nation flourishes Tho more essentially national t-liosc deeds tho greater , the. triumph of a nation as a whole. Care for the nation, and the individual will live enjoyably. Cultivate a right spirit among the people ; a spirit of tolerance and kindness; a spirit of loyally and inspect for authority and a very sure foundation will be laid. Competitions such as those to engage attention this week arc for this purpose, and those who believe in working nationally on such line s show their sympathy in a practical way by attending in force .

As to the cultivation of a national spirit, the older peoplo as well as the rising generation require to pay some at tention to the subject. To-day is the national day of New Zealand, but the occasion has not excited any degree of enthusiasm. The anniversary of Dominion Day comes and goes in a haphazard way without any real celebration to mark the import of the occasion. Perhaps it is that New Zealand is too young for its traditions yet to cling to the memory and give pride of place to our own homeland as something to revere. Young as this country is, its history is too little known by its own people. Yet New Zealand has a wonderful record. In its short span of life it has progressed rapidly. When cloven years ago it passed out of its swaddling clothes a 9 a young colony, and was regarded as mature enough to rank as a Dominion, it took a responsibilities which time has shown it was well able to discharge. Foremost in political development and omnncipatio.i, New Zealand established a high name for itself. That name has been enhanced by the demeanour of the country in this great war. The New Zealand soldiers rank with the best, and have brought great renown to the annals of tho Dominion. Our day might well be in favour, but the national spirit i s lacking. Other great countries have their national days and honour them with pride. The most striking example in the English speaking world is perhaps the American Day of Independence. Nearer home, Australia Day stands in popular favour. New Zealand has nothing to' be ashamed of, and really everything to gain by helping to * foster respect and celebration for Dominion Doy. Perhaps if our colonial history were brought more to mind and young and old alike had a more intimate acquaintance with achievements in the past a greater interest and concern would bo shown in the day set apart to mark our national development.