‘CITIZENSHIP’

Evening Star, Issue 22723, 10 August 1937, Page 11

‘CITIZENSHIP’

ADDRESS TO YOUNG FARMERS PLEA FOR CORPORATE SERVICE In connection with the annual educational course for young fanners, Dean Cruickshank delivered a most inspiring address on the subject of ‘ Citizenship ’ in the Returned Soldiers’ Association club rooms this morning. Mr A. C. Cameron presided. The speaker prefaced his remarks with a definition of a citizen as ‘‘ an actively responsible person.” It did not matter what lino of business one adopted, but the main principle in life was to fulfil a corporate duty to the community. None could afford to Jive a selfish life, but it was the difficulties that made the man and tho resistance, shown to the difficulties of life made up one’s character. A pessimist, said Dean Cruickshank, saw a difficulty in every opportunity, and an optimist saw an opportunity in every difficulty. The attributes required most in the country to-day were loyalty, courage, and helpfulness. Everyone should aim to be the sort of person who could be relied upon and also to be incapable of betraying or exploiting a trust. In that respect no man was educated until he was able to bo trusted by his fellow-men and those who were dependent on him. To be a success in life a man must use his mind and cull bad associations. The speaker likened habit to a strand of silk, which could bo broken with the fingers, vet if sufficient strands wore used could securely bind tho strongest man. The week had been organised with tho object of making the young farmers use their minds and educating them up to a form of citizenship which was trusteeship. It also had tho object of showing, the young farmers how to apply wisdom and skill. ... “Make your definite rules in hie and keet) to them,” urged tho dean. _ “ Ro simple, and speak the truth, which is harder than you imagine. Ihink logically. As a result of the numerous publications making their appearance tho world is suffering from a form of intellectual indigestion. Try to think ns correctly as possible. In recommending bis listeners to cultivate public speaking. Dean Cruickshank summed up the three rules as “ stand up, speak up, and shut up. He explained the difference_ between public speaking and debating, and stressed the value of sincerity. In conclusion, the taking up of some form of corporate duty in citizenship was urged. The great want in the country to-day was for leaders, who must be prepared to learn and were unafraid of criticism. The speaker then answered a number of questions put by his listeneT A vote of thanks was carried on the motion of Mr C. A. Lyon (Temuka).