CHILDREN AND FLAG

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21248, 19 October 1940, Page 9

CHILDREN AND FLAG

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES SALUTING CEREMONY (By fPl***-*"’"*! Cnnr'ai to WELLINGTON. Friday The attitude of members of the sect of Jehovah’s Witnesses to the saluting of the flag in schools was discussed at a meeting of the Wellington Education Board, when a letter was received from the head teacher of the Makuri School, stating that three pupils, one aged 13 and two others in the primers, had apparently been instructed by their parents, who were Jehovah’s Witnesses, not to take Dart in the ceremony of saluting the flag at the school. One of the parents had brought a gramophone record by Judge Rutherford to the school to prove that saluting the flag was contrary to their religion. The teacher asked if she had power to suspend the pupils. Mr C. H. W. Nicholls said it was clear the board had no authority to enforce attendance at the ceremony. Provision was made for conscientious objectors. They could stay away from history lessons if they wanted to. and, in its broadest sense, saluting the flag could be regarded as history. While all would deplore parents instructing their children not to show loyalty, the board could not suspend the children. The chairman. Mr W. V. Dyer, agreed the board could do nothing He said the point he was concerned with was the effect of the refusal on the other children. The suggestion was made ihat those children who did not wish to attend be kept in the classroom and it was decided to instruct the teaeher accordingly. ________