THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 81, 31 December 1918, Page 6

THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL CONVENTION. At the annual convention of the New Zealand section of the Theosophical Society, held in the Theosophical Hall, Marion Street, the' society reported progress all along the line. Two new halls were erected during the year, and the membership greatly increased. A special feature of the year's work was the acquisition of «i property in Auckland for the establishment of a Theosophical School. This will shortly bo opened for pupils, and it is proposed to endeavour to embody the approved ideals in educational reform. 'J'he Moutcssori ideal and method will find much favour, as it is in line with the specific theosophical teaching regarding the immense importance of each child's individuality.

A resolution expressing the society's indebtedness to its president, Airs. Annie llesant, was earned unanimously. The general secretary, Mr. Koss Thomson, on Sniuh'.y evening delivered an address on "The llirt.h u: a .New Civilisation." Mr. Thomson said that as \vu were watching the twilight of a ilying year so wc were Hatching the twilight, of a dying civilisation. Tlio dying civilisation had served its purpose in developing individuals. That had culminated in the recent great war. Germany had embodied it in the doctrine that might is right. Tho ideal of the new civilisation must bo tho dedication of the individuality to the service of tho race. The national life was a huge organism, in which brains, heart and limns played 11 part, and progress and expansion were only possible as each part, of tho nation recognised and co-operated with tho other. The danger in the transition stage lay in tho reformer. It required calm, balanced judgment, not the reactionary methods of Bolshevism, to guuiithe lii'o of tho nations in new and better channels. Great economic changes would supersede our present niotliod-i. There must be a levelling up, not levelling down, of the social structure. Uur first care must be the worker. .Means ot livelihood must be assured. Those in power and authority must recognise their responsibility towards every class of the community. Class distinction must give way to mutual co-operation. The AngloSaxon race had a great and glorious opportunity placed before it to lead tlie new civilisation along tho lines of service, co-operation and brotherhood. These were the ideals of theosophy, and part of the work of the society was lo permeate the world with them and so help to bring about the new civilisation which was now struggling into birth.