Anti-Hunger Campaign Launched In City

Press, Issue 30997, 1 March 1966, Page 6

Anti-Hunger Campaign Launched In City

Operation 21 was officially launched in Christchurch at a social function in Knox Hall on Saturday evening. For 21 weeks, young people of the dty will be studying problems of hunger and under-development in the world, publicising the campaign to alleviate these problems. working overseas through Volunteer Service Abroad, and raising funds for special projects. Already, said the national president (Mr B. Devenport), Christchurch was leading other centres in Operation 21, New Zealand’s part in a world-wide movement aimed at “mobilising youth in the fight against hunger.” The main aim of Operation 21 was to learn something of the problems of hunger in the world, and to tell young people why and how they should do something about them, Mr Devenport said. The Christchurch chairman (Mr T. Buckley) welcomed guests to the function, and read a letter of good wishes from the Leader of the Opposion (Mr Kirk), who was unable to attend. “Today we are conscious of the sufferings and poverty of our fellow human beings

throughout the world.” said the Mayor (Mr G. Manning), opening the campaign. To apply the principle of the brotherhood of man, through the parable of the good Samaritan, was the challenge of tire twentieth century, he sail. “Can we accept the challenge?” Operation 21 presented young people with the opportunity to assist human life where it was not as favoured as in New Zealand. “I hope the operation will be most successful in the city of Christchurch.” ha said.

“In this operation I see young people, not wandering aimlessly around the city, but with a purpose in life,” said Mr H. J. Walker, M.P. “Because of this, I know it will be a major success.” What the young people were going to do would mean a great deal to underdeveloped countries, some of which were close to New Zealand “Congratulations for this imaginative scheme.” During the function, which included a dance and an Asian supper, Mr Manning presented prizes to the winners of a poster competition held in conjunction with Operation 21.