CIVIC AFFAIRS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27499, 5 November 1954, Page 7

CIVIC AFFAIRS

INCREASED PUBLIC INTEREST URGED ADDRESS TO JUNIOR CHAMBER Calling for a greater interest in civic matters, Mr W. R. Lascelles, the guest speaker yesterday at the “community week” luncheon of the Canterbury Junior Chamber of Commerce, said there were people who believed that the first and second generations made the greatest progress in Christchurch. He was inclined to believe them. That Christchurch had no town hall, and that the Canterbury Museum had degenerated bore out their view. “I suggest that we can take a great deal of pride in civic matters,” Mr Lascelles said. “A society such as yours in entitled to do' bigger and better things. You at least are doing something important.” People in New Zealand were going about as though the sun never shone, said Mr Lascelles. “Let us show exuberance," he said.

“We are living in an era of the welfare State,” said Mr Lascelles. This leaves us to find our lives governed from the cradle to the grave. As men live and die, work and play, laugh and suffer in this disturbing world, it is inevitable for some men to change for the better and some for the worse. For those who change for the worse we have real concern —because society is a corporate body. Each must depend on the other. ‘We live in a world of two great philosophies and ideologies—democracy and communism,” he said. “We as members of the British Commonwealth have a broader appreciation of life as a whole; we take a more liberal view of life. There is ample scope for individual initiative and private enterprise. Unless we accept the challenge of communism we stand the risk of being beaten in the battle between the two big camps.” Later in his address, Mr Lascelles told the audience: “Don’t let us misapply a high-minded purpose. Don’t carry spoon feeding too far. Before we request from the Government let us perform.” Gift to Plunket Society A cheque of £193 6s lOd was presented by the chamber to Mrs P. G. Greenwood, of the Christchurch branch of the Plunket Society. The money was raised during the winter by the chamber from the sale of lime. It will qualify for a Government £ for £ subsidy. The money would be used to buy an oxygen tent for the new Karitane Hospital, the chairman for the day (Mr B. J. Drake) told the large gathering, which included representatives of many of the city’s community and welfare organisations. Mr D. Hall, who organised the sale of the lime, made the presentation. “We do appreciate the wonderful work you have done for us,” said Mrs Greenwood. “We are very grateful for this cheque.”