LOYALTY TO THE FLAG.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1021, 9 November 1912, Page 2

LOYALTY TO THE FLAG.

The Waihi Borough Council has issued the following circular, and resolution, and is posting the same to the borough and county councils throughout the Dominion :

“I am directed to call your attention to a resolution passed at a meeting on October 31, and to ask that your council discuss the question, passing one of a lika nature. The council realises that in many quarters it may be considered far-fetched and quite superfluous, but the trend of events at Waihi goes to prove what a condition of things may arise where the doctrine of Socialism, and an adherence to the principles of the red flag, find footing unchecked. In commnnities where these are unknown it cannot be realised to what lengths the followers of the red flag are prepared to go, but the incident of tearing up the Union Jack in Main Street, Waihi, may be quoted as an example. I would urge that this matter should receive the serious attention of your council, and point out that no one enjoying the inestimable advantage ot living under the Union Jack should raise an objection, except on the point that his or her loyalty is apparently questioned, and the declation may speak for itself. (Signed) H. D. Morpeth, Town Clerk.”

The following is the resolution referred to ;

“That it be a condition of all iuture employment on borough works that each and every' person employed by the borough council must sign a declaration affirming his or her loyalty to the King and the Union Jack, and that none other than those affirming their loyalty to King and flag shall be employed in any capacity on borough works, and that it be an instruction to the town clerk to forward copies of this resolution to all local bodies throughout the Dominion, inviting co-operation.”