THE WORLD CRISIS

Evening Star, Issue 22351, 29 May 1936, Page 14

THE WORLD CRISIS

TWO INTERESTING ADDRESSES DAY OF PEACE As its contribution towards tho Do-minion-wido peace day, held yesterday by tho Women’s Christian Temperance Union, the local branch arranged a special meeting last evening. 3be Rev. Dr E. N. Merrington and the Rev. E. I’. Adcnnan wore the speakers, and they took for their subject ‘ Tho Present Crisis of World Affairs.’ Airs E. Bedford presided. _ Tho Rev. Dr Merrington said part of tho work of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was to endeavour to servo tho interests of humanity, and one of the greatest enemies of these interests was war. At the present time it was seen that throe great forces were at work in the struggle for and against war. These three forces were—(l) on the side of the Fascist Powers: Germany, Italy, and Japan; (2) in the interests of peace, the .licague of Nations, whose authority was being challenged at the present time; (3) the great British Commonwealth of Nations, to which it was their privilege to belong. The speaker traversed the dangerous forces represented by _ the militaristic Powers to-day, especially in the light of the ruthless subjugation of Ethiopia in contravention of all promises. He also emphasised the importance of loyal, patient adherence to the League of Nations, which might bring about a new order for mankind, although the struggle would ho long and difficult. In conclusion, Dr Merrington urged his audience not to lose their patriotic support of the great British Commonwealth of Nations, under which they were at present living in peace and security in the Dominion. Although tho nations were not fighting yet, said tho Rev. E. P, Aderman, tho nations of Europe were on the brink of war. Their own nation was not slow in rearming, and the latest proposals in Britain wore that a total of £280,000,000 should be spent in increasing the defence forces. Of all nations most prepared for war, Great Britain led the way, but of all nations wanting peace, Britain again led the way. Air Aderman said that the League of Nations was still the most effective of peace machinery. Since its inception it had registered some 16 members, and bad done outstanding work in settling petty disputes. It had been the means of preventing at least 10 wars, and he thought that an organisation capable of doing that should be respected, and not severely, criticised. as it had been by many of the world’s greatest diplomats. ' During the evening Air Leslie Dunbar gave a musical item, with Airs F. Clark as accompanist.