BRITAIN'S PART

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 72, 26 March 1941, Page 6

BRITAIN'S PART

INVINCIBLE SPIRJT

ASSURANCE OF VICTORY

V.M.C.A. DINNER

The indomitable spirit of the people of Britain, in facing the German menace—a spirit described by the Prime Minister as invincible —was the keynote of speeches at the V.M.C.A. Convention dinner last evening at which 50 delegates and guests attended under the chairmanship of Mr. J. L. Salmond.

In proposing the toast of the British Empire, the Mayor, Mr. Hislop, said that when one mentioned the British Commonwealth one spoke of Britain, because Britain, through its people, encompassed that spirit of bravery, loyalty, courage, and fortitude which were the basic elements of the British Empire. Far from Britain's shores, however, there was to be found in many countries an amazing union of people bound by the link of the British Commonwealth—united today in their determination to preserve the freedom which the Empire had so dearly won, and to retain all those ideals which embellished and beautified life. The things which" these ideals represented grew only where the soil was free, and none was more free than that of Britain. Adherence to these y ideals had produced the man in Britain's grave hour—Winston Churchill—who had proved, the embodiment of the true spirit of Britain, as against the doctrine of force, treachery, and lies that the Empire was fighting today.

TRIBUTE TO V.M.C.A. WORK,

In reply, the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, expressed appreciation of the work which was being done by the V.M.C.A. not only in New Zealand but overseas as well, in the advancing of the Empire's war effort. He was in a position to know how the association was facing the difficult task set by the conditions in England. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of its work was the universal approval it had gained, particularly from the churches and other welfare organisations. The figures for Wellington alone were eloquent evidence of the splendid work for the members of the fighting forces. The association had willing workers who had given an example „to the community, while those concerned in the establishment of welfare centres in the various camps had been united in a great movement of co-operation, largely through the tactful and energetic handling of an admittedly difficult problem. Apart from the V.M.C.A., thanks were due also to all the churches and welfare groups which had co-operated in shouldering responsibility. Perhaps, however, the pinnacle of effort had been achieved by the V.M.C.A.

THE CO-OPERATIVE EMPIRE,

The achievements in all theatres of the war had shown that the men of today were equal in stamina and courage to their forbears. Their efforts were supported by a magnificent chain of co-operation from all parts of the Empire; but in the'midst of these glorious achievements, the hearts of all were centred upon England, whose people, by their grim fortitude, had shown that they were inspired by a love of their neighbour which was truly as great as love of themselves. People who faced the terrors of war as the people of England were doing were invincible. In this spirit lay the greatest assurance of victory.

YOUTH WORK IN NEW ZEALAND,

Dr. W. A. Riddell, High Commissioner for Canada in New Zealand, proposed the toast of the V.M.C.A., and said that the association in this country was showing a most hopeful sign for the future by its efforts towards boys' work. In fact, the New Zealand Y.M.C.A.s were devoting more effort in this way than similar organisations in any other country. In speaking of the association as a world organisation he would say that this organisation, with its almost universal ramifications, was truly a force for great good.

Dr. Riddell- recalled the names of many of the pillars of the V.M.C.A. who, he said, had rightly regarded the association as a Christian force of tremendous value, and said that the conferences which had been held in all corners of the world were in reality bread cast upon the waters, and despite the present war would return a hundredfold in ultimately uniting the peoples of the nations.

Mr. C. R. Edmond, in his response, said the V.M.C.A. convention had been well worth while in uniting the various units of the V.M.C.A. in New Zealand in carrying out the work of the organisation

Items were given by Miss Gwen Greenwood and Mr. K. Macauley, with Mr. Clement Howe as accompanist.