NATIONAL UNITY

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 11088, 11 April 1933, Page 3

NATIONAL UNITY

An Open Letter WHERE DOES N.Z. REGION STAND? An open letter on a topic of national importance has been addressed by Mr A, N. Field to Dr Campbell Begg. Mr Field, whose publications dealing with various aspects of the slump are well known to New Zealanders, has recently been engaged in promoting the New Zealand Security League. Mr Field’s letter incidentally throws interesting light on the genesis both of the Legion and the League. The text of the letter is as follows; —. ‘‘Deal - Sir. —In the interests of national unity in face of the present economic crisis, 1 write to ask whether the New Zealand Legion will co-operate in a national effort to align the present ferment of constructive thought and endeavour in support of clear-cut and definite practical objects. Without such unity the necessary steps to preserve internal stability will be extremely difficult, if not impossible of achievement. With unity and commonsense action there is nothing to prevent our country from coming through its present ordeal in good shape and with social and economic dislocation reduced to a minimum. “Last year, in response to many requests from persons who had read matter written by me about the slump, I framed objects and a constitution for an organisation to which on certain drafts I had tentatively given the name, ‘The Legion of New' Zealand.’ Early in December one of these drafts was passed by its recipient with my consent to Major J. R. V. Sherston, of Porangahau, Hawke’s Bay, then engaged in preliminary work which later resulted in the formation of the organisation of which you are now at the head. “Major Sherston felt sufficiently interested to propose that he should cross to Nelson to see me, which he did about the middle of December, and we spent the day discussing the nature and objects of the necessary organisation. I found myself in complete agreement with his view that it was imperative we should all drop our political prejudices and preconceived ideas and pull together in a spirit of self-sacrifice for the common good.

“As to the precise practical steps most urgently needed for the common good in face of the existing crisis, I found that Major Sherston was not prepared to commit himself. On my side, I insisted on the vital importance of clear and well-defined objects: in particular, (1) for restoration of the means of payment and, (2) security for the people in the possession of their homes. Without adequate planks on money and land I stated that I was quite unable to co-operate in forming any organisation whatever. 1 pointed out in later correspondence that if support were enlisted on no more defined object that “the common good,” the appeal became purely emotional, and —apart from other objections and dangers emphasised by me—a subsequent formulation of practical objects must be difficult without disruption. “As we were unable to see eye to this and other matters we subsequently decided each to go our own way. Major Sherston’s efforts resulted in February in the formation of the New Zealand Legion. The policy drafted by me, with subsequent revisions and collaboration, is now embodied in the objects and draft programme of the National Security League. . . , “The aim of the League is to work for the greatest possible unity and coordination in reconstructive effort. Its objects are such as must make an almost universal appeal. They are as follows: , ' . (1) Restoration of the means of payment and lightening of the burden of debt. (2) Security to the people in the possession of their homes and means of livelihood. (3) Justice and order in all social and economic relationships. (4) Work for all; fair wages; and fool, clothing and shelter for all in this land of plenty. (5) Loyalty to King and Constitution, and resistance to all attempts, wherever originating, to deprive the people of their constitutional rights, either by Fascist or Communist methods or otherwise.

“In a tentative draft programme is set out a means of attaining these objects. The programme may appear drastic, but it is practicable and capable of rapid application. It is submitted for discussion and criticism with a view to presenting a thoroughly sound and acceptable policy for adoption. H there are more effective a.nd more acceptable ways of attaining the ends sought the League desires to discover them. Its aim is the maximum of result with the minimum of disturbance. “I enclose a circular setting out the National Security League’s aims and objects and containing explanatory matter. I shall be pleased to supply members of your organisation with further copies as required if they will remit postage. I shall also be pleased to supply further explanatory matter on any point you may “With a view to the promotion of unity I now publicly put the following questions to you as the executive head of the New Zealand Legion. .1) Does the Legion approve of the objects set out above? (2) Does the Legion approve of the draft programme for attaining those objects as set out in the circular, and, if not, of what portions does it approve and of what does it disapprove? (3) Is the Legion willing to cooperate in promoting a national conference to secure the widest possible unity m concentration on practical objGCtS? .4) If the Legion disagrees with both objects and programme has it something better to put forward on which we can all line up? I am, etc.. —A. N. FIELD. P.O. Box 1809, Auckland, . /4/do.