"AS A TEAM"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 118, 21 May 1941, Page 8

"AS A TEAM"

PATRIOTIC EFFORT GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S PLEA The unification of efforts by patriotic societies working "as a team" in order to obtain the maximum effect was stressed by the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall. when speaking at the combined patriotic societies luncheon in Auckland to-day. Each of the societies and leagues represented, his Excellency continued, in encouraging the residents of the city to serve the Empire was playing an important part in the light against evil forces. Ihe fate of the Empire depended on such service being given freehand wholeheartedly by all section's of the community. In welcoming his Excellency and Lady Newall, Mr. H. T. Gibson, who presided, explained that the gathering consisted of representatives of the Patriotic Society, the Victoria League, the Royal Empire Socictv, the Overseas League, the Roval Society of St. George and the Navv League. lie expressed delight in having the privilege of welcoming their Excellencies, and explained that those present were as loval as British citizens could be. He referred to the manner in which thev were endeavouring to follow the magnificent example of the British people in the present crisis, and assured his Excellcncv of wholehearted support in everything which he might ask of them. "The patriotic societies of Auckland have joined together in a central committee in order to coordinate their activities, and I congratulate them on taking this admirable step," said Sir Cyril. "But I want you to consider whether further steps may not be called for "Even in the short time that I have been in the Dominion I have frequently been struck by the rivalry that exists between the various localities. To a certain extent such rivalry is excellent, for it acts as a spur to further endeavours. Rut rivalry must be broadminded, or it generates into jcalousv and becomes unhealthy." " No More Rivalry " His Excellency went on to say that the geographical features of' NewZealand had tended to separate the various centres of population and no doubt such was the historical explanation of why such keen rivalry existed. However, scientific progress had broken down these geographic* barriers to a large extent and some of the rivalry that remained was as out of date as the stage coach. "There is another reason, too. whv you in particular must guard against undue rivalry," Sir Cyril continued. "It is an inescapable fact, for which I can offer no explanation, that the better the work in which man is engaged and the higher the aims that inspire him. the more he tends to lose his sense of perspective. He is apt to strive for parochial achievement to the detriment of national effort.

"I believe there are some organisations which take a definite pride in their complete independence and segregation from sister organisations working elsewhere in the Dominion. From the very nobility of your ideals of service you arc particularly' allergic to the germ of rivalry. Never forget that unity of purpose is not sufficient—it must go arm in arm with full co-operation for the maximum results to be attained. Differences must be sunk, all must work together as a team. Nothing must be allowed to interfere with the maximum output, at whatever cost to local considerations. The present situation demands this and nothing less will do. Wider Co-ordination "May I suggest that patriotic societies throughout the Dominion should ask themselves continually whether the service of the Empire to which they are pledged cannot be furthered by wider co-ordination than even you have yet achieved," said his Excellency in further stressing the need for unity. In concluding, Sir Cyril thanked and congratulated the societies and wished them every success in their future endeavours. He also assured patriotic workers of every assistance from Lady Newall and himself.