NEW ZEALAND LEGION

UNDERGROUND ATTACKS

"THE VIPER'S,' BROOD"

In the course of enthusiastic meeting of, 300 people at Otaki, when the aims and ideals of the New Zealand Legion were expounded by Mr. W; JB. Leicester and Dr. Campbell Bcgg, and when 80 of "those present definitely joined ,tho Legion, an outspoken ( criticism of'the methods of-persons of ether views to discredit the movement was voiced by Dr. Begg. Pointing out that undertaking the obligations of the Legion might result in a new member being ultimately called to fill a position of leadership, he stressed the fact that members must bo prepared to face- methods of attack which he proceeded to castigate. "Ii you have performed any public service "without fear and with singleness of purpose," he said, "they may start a whispering campaign that you have been actuated by motives of personal gain or that you have allowed some personal vendetta to influence your actions. No matter how absurd this may appear to people with any knowledge of the focts ; the public mind is so constituted that it forms a ready soil for this typo of underground immorality. ' ' • "This has already raised its head in Wellington and must be looked upon as an organised movement to attempt to discredit the Legion. The,enemies will attack your measures- first; iailing in that, they will attack your own actions in public life, and if that fails they are not beyond trying to undermine your personal integrity and character. All members of the Legion who hear of such" things must condemn them utterly and give no opportunity for this vile form of propaganda to take root. It will be the function of the Legion to stamp.out the viper's brood that works by such methods, and to enlighten thoso who may through -ignorance become the catspaw. of such evil f drees." • ■