League of Nations Union

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 280, 23 August 1934, Page 6

League of Nations Union

Baskets of Iceland poppies and branches of japqulca, pussy willow and birch decorated the Lyeeuai Club yesterday afterupon, when the councii'of the Wellington branch of the League of Nations Union held a reception .there. Mrs. J. Henderson, vice-president, introduced Mrs.- Wallis, the speaker for the afternoon, and the Rev, F. H. Wilkinson, Dominion president, addressed a few preliminary remarks to the large gathering of members .and friends. It was encouraging to note, Mr, WilI klnson siiid, that during the past year the membership of the union ,in the Jlominion had increased by about 500. The League of Nations Union, be continued, stood for co-operation in world affairs rather than competition, and be asked for the whole-hearted, support of those present, saying that by joining they would find a fresh interest in life and a wider outlook on humanity. Mrs. Wallis, who was a member of the League of Nations Union in England for msfny years, said that the League of Nations Itself was the hope of the world, and it was the splendid privilege of members of the union to be, as.it were, part of the hope of the world. The League of Nations, continued Mrs. Wallis, could not function unless it had behind it an eni>rmou« body of - public opinion, and it was with this end in view thaj the- union had been founded in England. Nothing would save the world except a strong public opinion behind its statesmen. By reading (lie newspapers and understanding the grouping of the news and the papers which gave the news, the union’s members could do a tremendous amount toward the forming ot' public opinion, and. Mrs. Wallis coacluded, as well as being proud to belong t> such a union, they would have something to think about. Mr. W. B. Matheson proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Wallis for. her address.

Songs by Miss .Marjorie Bennje and Mr. Ben O'Brien were much appreeiat-

cd. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Ivon Wilson. Afternoon tea was served by the committee. Apologies for absence were received from the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes and Mrs. Forbes, the Hon. E. A. Ransom and Mrs. Ransom, and the Hon. R. Masters apd Mrs. Masters.