COMBATTING RACIALISM

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29801, 18 April 1962, Page 16

COMBATTING RACIALISM

World Body Suggested

There was a need for a world-wide movement to combat racial segregation and discrimination, said the Congress of Racial Equality, based at New York, in a letter to the Canterbury Association for Racial Equality, received at the association’s meeting last evening. “Your resolution applauding the courage of the Freedom Riders in the United States, further affirms our belief in the need for a world-wide movement to combat racial segregation and discrimination.” the letter said. “We wish you much success in your endeavours." “It is very encouraging to hear from such a prominent organisation in the United States,” said the chairman. Mr C. Lewis. Of the suggestion of a world-wide movement, Mr Lewis said he felt the Canterbury association would best remain firmly based on the New Zealand people to achieve its aims. There had been a certain amount of inactivity by the Canterbury association since its last meeting, said Mr Lewis. "It would appear that we definitely need some real action to get things moving again,” he said. “We must also get down to the day-to-day organisation of a business-like association.” An action committee of the association would be set up, to meet weekly, it was decided. Film evenings, an art union or raffle, and a possible subsidy from the Government were suggested as means of augmenting the association’s finances.