Resentment Grows in South Africa

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 367, 30 May 1928, Page 9

Resentment Grows in South Africa

TWO FLAGS OR ONE? UNION DAY FEELING j (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (United Service) I Reed. 12.30 p.m. CAPETOWN, Tues. The National Flag Union is to be inaugurated on Thursday, Union Day. For the past fortnight a strong feeling has been growing up throughout the Union owing to the Government’s interpretation of the Act, particularly regarding the flying of both the Union Jack and the National Flag at particular centres. At pre-eminently Dutcli-speaking towns and villages in the old republics, the National Flag only will he flown, except in provincial capitals, where both flags will fly on the principal buildings. In a large number of small towns in the eastern part of the Cape Province the Government’s decision to fly only the National Flag is occasioning deep resentment, but the strongest feeling of all has been aroused at Capetown owing to the refusal to fly the Union Jack at Capetown Castle, which for 250 years has been universally regarded as the chief building in the city. The Prime Minister, Mr. J. B. Hertzog, influenced it is believed by Dr. Malan, refuses to make a concession to strong expressions of public opinion on this point, and to-day refused to meet an influential delegation of ex-service men. The effect of this grudging attitude is most unfortunate, as the Englishspeaking community was undoubtedly ready to unite in the celebrations, but is now regarding the position resentfully.