"SUBVERSION" IN THE SCHOOLS
Sir,-Your temperate article on this theme sets a standard of tolerance that could well be emulated by those selfconstituted guardians and models of patriotism the Dominion Council of the R.S.A. It is certainly to be hoped that local branches will refuse to spy and inform on their fellow-citizens, many of whom are also returned servicemen. But the teachers in the Nelson district will not feel so happy. They will not know what secret reports are being made on them and sent to Wellington, what. private grudges are being "worked off" against innocent men, who are without defence, for even to defend. oneself leaves a smear. The original motion would be laughable if ig were not a sign of danger to one of our freedoms. Its sponsors are simple people if they think loyalty can be guaranteed by an annual "warrant of fitness." The loyal citizen resents the indignity of an oath; to the disloyal, an oath means nothing. I well remember the indignation with which I took the oath of allegiance imposed upon teachers after World War I by Sir James Parr, when I had already taken it on enlistment, served four years and re-
ceived a permanent disability as a re: sult. You are right when you say that it is the.innocent man that. suffers. And you are to be thanked for your courage in doing so, for we are living in an atmosphere where to be impartial is dangerous and to be tolerant is "subversive." Hence I dare not sign myself other than
TEACHER AND EX-SERVICE
MAN
(Invercargill).
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19540716.2.12.4
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 782, 16 July 1954, Page 5
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264"SUBVERSION" IN THE SCHOOLS New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 782, 16 July 1954, Page 5
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