JUNIOR REFORM LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 75, 26 September 1927, Page 11

JUNIOR REFORM LEAGUE

SUBURBS BRANCH STARTED

The Kelburn Kiosk was the scene of a largely-attended and very pleasant party, given by Mr; and Mrs. C.- W. Earlo, on Saturday evening, to inaugurate a ■ suburbs branch of the Junior Reform and Constitutional League. Dancing was the chief amusement, thcro was an excellent orchestra, and the central hall" was decorated with streamers*, pot plants, and flowers.: The verandahs were arranged with 'tables and chairs for sitting out, and later for supper. Mis. Eailo received the guests wealing black jetted chiffon over v.hite, and with a handsome Spanish scarf. Mrs. Cdfcs -\\as present, her frock being a black jetted tunic over pale pink, and a shirt of fine black lace. Others present included Mrs. James', Mr. and Mrs. Darling, Mr. and Mrs. M'Ghie, the Hon. E. A. Wright and Mrs. Wright, Mrs. K. Preston, and a great gathering of younger people of both sexes. Mrs. KobinEon and other mends assisted Mrs. Earle in entertaining the guests. Mr. M'Ghie, the energetic organiser of the young people's branches, -nho was greeted with much enthusiasm, explained thai the main object of the branches -nas to keep the \ounger people in touch with the political afiairs of their own country, and to gather together those who are not connected with any political movement in social intercourse, combining this with politics; each gathering to be addressed on the subject of politics at least once (luring the evening. It was hoped to gather m the future citizens and politicians throughout the Dominion, and to maugiuate debates between branches, and later summer amusements, in the form of tennis, cricket, etc. He thought that tho unbiased young minds, free .from any clogging traditions, were of value and service to their country,-and should be interested, and placed so that they could both Jearn and be of assistance. Many of the greatest law-makers and politicians were beginners in junior leagues The Hon. E. A. Wright followed, I speaking cheerily of the characteristics , which make up the British character, those of the English, Scottish, Irish i and Welsh people, illustrating the les- , son which he meant to convey with i ?! ,? nd amusing stories. He spoke or Parliamentary procedure, and of tho i tnais and troubles attendant on stand- , ing as a candidate for election, either parliamentary or civic, showing that i the people owe something to those, who lace the trials and fatigues inseparable from candidature. He gave his cordial good wishes to the movement." Sir Henry Cowan, who was present with Lady Cowan, was then asked to speak, and briefly urged loyalty to Sing and Empire, and said that he approached the young \ New Zealandcrs whose character was so well thought" of abroad in the world, with interest, admiration, and respect. • ' The Prime Minister, who was warmly Teeeived, thanked Sir/Henry Cowan for Ms presence and address, also Mr. and Mrs. Earle for giving the Junior Reform League such / a pleasant and profitable opportunity. He mentioned with warm appreciation the work -of Mrs. Earle, and also that of Mr. M Ghie, the organiser, commending the sound principles which he had enunciated. Mr. Coates said that the plain path of duty was towards our own citizens, and that New Zealand should be first of all for New Zealanders, definitely and always. The effort should be to give work to all and to ensure that every person should reap the first fruits of his own work. Temporary difficulties in the way of unemployment would arise in every community, but such difficulties had to be met at the time, and the best possible dono to 'relievo the situation, not witli patchwork,- but with wise regard for the future. It was necessary to look ahead and form a policy which would do away with such difficulties and preserve the principles which 'are dear to all who hold patriotism and loyalty to tho Constitution m respect and have faith in the Empire meaning to keep it free, and who will help to make it greater than any the world ever dreamed of. Independence, freeaom, and prosperity rnn,t be assured to the people, and he aske" the young people to learn all they so?i •' * ,? loso n * the <rank »> and to fall into line and keep the fine Constitutaon under which it is such a privilege to live. (Applause.) * V th»nK T lis *hen. Proposed a vote of thanks to the visitors and sneakers and on the motion of Mr. Lewis^S man of Wellington North Junior League), it was agreed to form a Welling. X^n a fLSe! rEef°rmßlldCof-!