U.N. ‘not a failure'

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32430, 17 October 1970, Page 15

U.N. ‘not a failure'

The United Nations had not failed in its objectives, the Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake) said in Christchurch when officially opening the annual convention of New Zealand Jaycees.

Sir Keith Holyoake said that the organisation could not be a failure when 126 nations belonged to it “But it is very different from the organisation which New Zealand joined 25 years ago as one of the 50 foundation members,” he said. The basic aim of the U.N. at its inception was to prevent war, but Sir Keith admitted to the 1500 people at the opening that it hadn’t succeeded to the extent hoped. However, this was still an important aspect. “There are continuing negotiations on disarmament, peace-keeping forces and observer groups to which New Zealand contributes,” said the Prime Minister. The aspirations of many new and developing nations had shifted the focus of United Nations interests. Economic and jocial development, decolonisation and human rights had become major preoccupations.

Sir Keith Holyoake said that the United Nations’ agencies have grown in importance and effectiveness. He said that direct aid, and aid to help people help themselves, was looming larger and larger. The Prime Minister said he believed the world conscience was becoming sharper. “Some people might disagree with that and say the

creed ‘Blow you, Jack, I’m all right’ is the cornerstone of modem living. It might be in some cases but, over all, the willingness of people to help others—locally and internationally—is increasing,” said Sir Keith Holyoake. As never before, New Zealand needed responsible leadership not only at Government level but through the executive levels of the business world the national president of New Zealand Jaycees (Mr H. LampenSmith) said at the official opening. Mr Lampen-Smith said that the Jaycee group was not just another service organisation. “We are a body of young men who, through service to our community, offer the opportunity of self-develop-ment. There is a difference,” he said.