WAR ISSUES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 154, 1 July 1940, Page 5

WAR ISSUES.

FIGHT FOR FREEDOM.

CHRISTCHURCH RALLY.

ADDRESS BY HON. W. PERRY.

(By Telegraph.—Prees Association.)

CHRISTOHURCH, Sunday.

"No longer do we hear the question— what are our war aims? We know now, and there, is no longer any doubt that we are fighting for our existence, for the heritage of freedom and liberty handed down by our forefathers, for freedom to practice our religion and for the right to live in peace. We know we are fighting for civilisation, aye, and for Christianity iteelf. We know our main enemy, Hitler, is the would-be destroyer of all things religious."

This statement was made by the Hon. W. Perry, president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, addressing a "win the war" dedication rally in Lancaster Park, arranged by the Christchurch branch of the association. Braving some of the bitterest weather of the winter, about 600 citizens attended the rally.

A large parade of returned soldiers, members of the fighting forces and auxiliary services marched to the park accompanied by nine city bands.

The following resolutions were carTied:—"That we affirm our belief in the Truth and Justice of the Cause for ■which Great Britain and her Allies have taken up arms. That we dedicate ourselves to the task of winning the war by which those ideals and spiritual and moral values for which Britain and the -Alliee have taken up the sword may be preserved." '

It was also decided to send a message to General Freyberg extending best wishes to New Zealand boMmm overseas.