FOR FREEDOM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 80, 5 April 1939, Page 6

FOR FREEDOM.

TO-DAY'S COMPLEXITIES. ADDRESS BY MR. ALGIE. Well attended public meetings convened by the Kew Zealand Freedom Association were addressed by Mr. R. M. Algic in the' Remuera and Epsom public libraries and at Leys Institute, Ponsohby. In outlining the objectives and future programme of the Freedom Association, Mr. Algie stressed the fact that this was essentially an educative organisation, and that it was entirely free from all political alliances. The principal objective of the association was to maintain among the general public an intelligent and constructive interest in all political and questions affecting the Welfare and progress of the Dominion, and to encourage the younger men and women of Xew Zealand to appreciate and preserve their heritage of democratic government. There was a steadily increasing demand for accurate and unbiased information upon political and economic issues, and the Freedom Association would do its utmost to meet that demand. The public were tired of political propaganda, but were calling for facts upon which to judge the complex issues of the present day. "There is a middle course between extreme socialism, on the one hand, and sta%sc conservatism on the other," said Mr. Algie. "It is for us to find that course, and, having found it, to demonstrate it to the younger generation— the generation from which our future leaders must be drawn. Democracy can be preserved in N«w Zealand only if we at© prepared to make it function effectively—and that can be done only by research and by a free interchange of views. The Freedom Association proposes to establish immediately in various .parts of the city aiid suburbs and ultimately throughout New Zealand, *rotfps at which free discussion will take place upon all matters of public interest. 1 desire to make it clear that the association Xvill welcome to such discussion groups men and won Yen of all shades of political opinion, provided Only that they share our own determination to approach our common ipToblews in ttn wnbiaeed titA constructive manner, and that the future welfare of our country and its people is recognised as the ultimate objective 6f our researches and discussions." At tlie "cencTtißton of each meeting arrangements were finalised for future ■nwetlngs 'to be WIA. Mr. Algie addressed •mother meeting at King George's Hall, ftTouWt Albert, this a'fternooh.