NEW CAPE FLAG.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1926, Page 3

NEW CAPE FLAG.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] CAPETOWN, May 20. In the Union Assembly, the Government, by a. majority of twenty-one, has carried the first rending of the Union Flag Bill. Mr Smuts (lender of the Opposition) warned the House that, long before the Bill was through Pnrlinment, South Africa would be in n state of turmoil such ns had not been known for many years. The new flag would not he accepted, and the country would again be divided into two camps. It would he an abuse of power to force the Bill through. Amid angry scenes the Labour Party accused the Opposition of using the Ilnion Jack for political purposes. Mayors are calling meetings of protest throughout the country and feeling is growing in intensity. In connection, however, with the growing agitation over the proposed new South African Hag, a significant statement was made by Hon Mr Boydell, the Minister of Labour, who said that he was sure that it was not the intention of the Government to force upon the country a flag which does not command the mutual respect and goodwill of both the British and the Dutch sections of the community. He sincerely hoped that nothing would be said or done to revive the bitterness of the past. . The British press of South Africa urges the postponement of the measure for the present session. A packed house, including Princess Alice and a Government House party, listened to the flag debate. General Smuts asked if the Government were serious, saying they appeared to be acting with levity in contempt of public opinion. People would say, “This is not our flag I It was forced upon us!” The question could only be settled away from the heated atmosphere of politics. The Government could get the measure through with their majority, but the result would be not -a, flag of honour but a means of dividing the people. Hon Mr Alalam, replying, said this matter bad been before Parliament and the country for months past. Tlie essential point in tlie dispute was the question of whether the Union Jack should be included or not. The proposal had not come as a surprise. It had been discussed for two years, and Mr Smuts himself had repeatedly urged the necessity for a. South African flag. At the Dutch functions, the old Free State flag was now being used, and at English functions the Union Jack. What they wanted, he said, was a flag which would bind the two sections into a common nationhood. Hon Mr Malum added that so long as there was a South African Party they would not get an agreement, as that party was intent on the creation of racial divisions. He believed that the Government’s attitude was a reasonable one, and that it would commend itself to all moderate and reasonable men.