NEW ZEALAND LEGION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 151, 7 April 1933, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND LEGION

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL. AGAINST SELFISH INTERESTS. (Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 6. The provisional national council of the New Zealand Legion held its first meeting last evening, Dr. It. Campbell Begg presiding. There was a .representative attendance of delegates from 15 of the 18 divisions of the League, which is being established in the Dominion. Dr. Campbell Begg stated that the Legion stood avowedly four - square against political vacillation and political immorality. It stood against all selfish interests which would try to influence the Legislature so as to attain their own ends. The Legion must be careful not to give lip service only. Service, sacrifice and comradeship must not be words on their lips, but things exemplified in their lives and behaviour. Their ideals should be high and must remain untarnished. A statement released for publication declares that already the Legion numbers within its ranks supporters of the Reform, United and Coalition parties, and representatives of all classes, including men employed on relief works. Any statement that sectional influence is behind the movement can be looked on as a deliberate fabrication. No Improper Pressure. The statement issued by the National Council of the . i\ew Zealand .Legion, declares that the primary aim or the Legion is to secure the lorms ol government, both local and general, oest suited to the needs of the Dominion. The Legion will provide the machinery whereby representations can be made and considered from a national viewpoint. The practice of approaching Ministers and members of Parliament in regard to these matters has proved to be pernicious and ineffective and must be discontinued, continues the statement. All Legion members are pledged not to exercise improper pressure on Ministers or?members in any sectional, parochial or party interests'by deputation or other means. The Legion will further devote its energies to stemming the demoralising drift toward dependence on State aid in lieu of individual effort and private enterprise. The following are members of the National Council of the Legion: Messrs A. St. Clair Brown (Auckland), J. MacGibbon (Christchurch), A. L. Singer (Gisborne), J. W. Hardinge (Waipukurau), F. J. Nathan (Palmerston North), M. E- F. Airey (Nelson), It. H. QuillamjNew Plymouth), F. Milner (Oamaru), 0. L. Paterson (Dunedin), W. Macalister (Invercargill), JMclntosh and Dr. R. Campbell Begg (Wellington).