JUNIOR UNITED ORGANISATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 232, 1 October 1929, Page 6

JUNIOR UNITED ORGANISATION.

In reference to the letter of Sfr. "Charles Lawrin, which appeared last evening in gU n. port of a similar epistle from Mrl Mclhdoe may I make one or two statements end' at the same time ask the gentlemen concerned one or two questions? The Junior United Organisation is unique, and the first of its kind in New Zealand. It is the first junior- men'e organisation, comprised of young men who are just reaching, and who have recently reached their voting age. The Junior Reform League consisted mainly of younger people-of jkJth sexes. The model parliament instituted by them is also unique; the Junior Reform League can show nothing on similar linea. The principal activities .of the Junior Reform League were of a social nature, viz., dances, where a member or a Minister addressed the gathering for a few brief moments, chiefly stressing the value of the Junior League. The, Junior United Organisation' is at least' making » serious effort to obtain political knowledge, as witness their debates, parliament, general meetings and fortnightly, luncheons; That the Junior United Organisation is an imitation of the Junior Reformers is a laughable suggestion as the letter is an offshoot of the senior organisation, while the former was conceived, initiated and maintained by young men entirely, with the sponsorship of the main organisation. The Junior United Organisation is run on entirely new lines, and such, as making for some real knowledge of the affairs of the country. Now for one or two questions. Can either of the two gentlemen point to any real activity of the Junior Reform League since .the elections? Can they point to any activity in the career of that organisation tending to. advance the political education of its members in any real sense? Can they show any point where the Reform League is further advanced or superior to the Junior United Organisation? Ido not decry any serious attempt by the young people of this country, no matter what their political colour, to obtain political education. As for tlie last sentence in the letter, regarding the seat of the : Hon. W. r A. Veitch, the election figures "are sufficiently illuminating/ That seat is as -safe as the prestige of the Junior United Organisation, of which I have the honour to be a member. EX-MEMBER OP THE JUNIOR REFOBM LEAGUE.