PATRIOTIC DECORATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 October 1918, Page 7

PATRIOTIC DECORATIONS.

A RESOLUTION OF PROTEST, Greymouth, Oct. 11. The Patriotic Association, at a meeting to-day, passed a resolution that the attention of the Government be directed to the dissatisfaction that exists throughout the Dominion at the extension of the Order of the British Eirpire to this Dominion, and that the Government be asked to make representations to the Imperial authorities to cease conferring these Orders, for the following reasons; —(1), That while so many loyal subjects of the King are working throughout the length and breadth of the country in patriotic movements it is unwise to attempt to single out for special distinction an individual or indiviuals; (2) that it is a reflection on patriotic sentiments to suggest that any loyal citizen requires such stimulant to his or her loyalty; (3) that the conferring of these Orders can only give rise to jealousy and tend to bring discord among tlfe communities and patriotic bodies that have since +he commencement of the war worked loyally together; (41 that a general opinion exists that political jat ronage lias a great deal to do in the selecting of the recipients. In tho best interests of the Dominion, th« Grey PaS-rl.-.lie Association is of opinion that it would bo better to at onca cut out the conferring of these decorations at the root."