OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 July 1940, Page 4

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM (To the Editor.) Sir, —I was amazed to read of the voting against the proposal that the National Anthem be sung each morning at Assembly at the Wairarapa College. Doubtless there is a reason foi the attitude of the three gentlemen concerned Personally I consider it should not have had to be brought up, but that, particularly in times of war, the National Anthem should automatically be sung daily at all schools, weekly at all churches and at all other public gatherings as one small way in which people could give public expression to their loyalty.—l am, etc. ' CONSISTENT. Masterton, June 30.

A personal reference in the above letter has been excised.

BOARD MEMBERS REPLY

(To the Editor.) Sir, —y,’e voted against the compulsory daily singing of the National Anthem at the Wairarapa College. During the discussion, the Headmaster was asked his views. He stated that College opened daily with prayer, and he preferred that the singing of the National Anthem be not made manda-’ tory, as he could then alternate with “God Defend New Zealand,” and “Land of Hope of Glory.” It was our desire that for this reason the matter be optional. Knowing the record of the Headmaster and members of the staff in the past and present wars, we felt the matter could be left in his hands, —We are, etc, L. T. DANIELL F. C. DANIELL T. HANLEY Masterton, July 1.