JUSTICES’ ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 21054, 17 March 1932, Page 7

JUSTICES’ ASSOCIATION

" • QUARTERLY MEETING MR W. B. STEEL'S ADDRESS At the quarterly meeting of the Otago Justices of the Peace Association in the Assembly Hall, Y.M.C.A., last night, an address was given by Mr W. B. Steel, his subject being ‘ Community Interests.’ ; The Chairman (Mr J. W. Dove) welcomed visitors and members, and said that the association had justified its existence by doing some good work in the community, helping those who were sick or otherwise in need. He said it was hoped to carry the duties of the association further. He appealed to the members of the community who were J.P.s to join up and assist tho association in its efforts.

Mr Steel covered his subject as it applied to the individual and the com munity at large. Examples of early life, he said, showed that some people had succeeded in helping others, and others had not. The interests of the people had to be placed before all things, and a harm or an injury to any member of the community always rebounded on the community. Every man must do the job that came to him honestly, faithfully, and conscientiously. It was about I'so years since the friendly society movement began as something different from what it bad since grown into. One hundred and fifty years ago England was politically at zero, and through adverse circumstances, the friendly society was born. It benefitted, and was then merged with social clubs and associations in different parts of the country, and as the work of the society grew it was reborn in other lands. The ideal of a helpful society made a strong appeal to those most in need, because “ the poor are the best friends of the poor.” Tho idea behind the community interest was that the strong should help the weak, and this had grown so much in this country that it had become a tower of strength to the people. There was a great army of willing helpers, whose activities proved that the community interest spirit was so deeprooted that it made them give of their time and energy to those in need. So far as community interests in connection with friendly societies in New Zealand stood this country was well in advance of Australia both in membership (in proportion to population), and financially. There was a noble work to be done, and, as it was in the interests of the community, those societies should bo fostered and encouraged. On the motion of Mr 31. Stevenson, seconded by Mr W. Watson, a vote of thanks_ to Mr Steel was carried by acclamation.

Prior to tho address a short musical and elocutionary programme was presented by Mr W. Ruffell and party. Supper was served at tthc conclusion of the address.