CAUSE OF PEACE

Evening Star, Issue 26031, 20 February 1947, Page 9

CAUSE OF PEACE

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING OF OTAGO BRANCH The interest being accorded the activities of the Otago branch of the United Nations' Association since it replaced last year the League of Nations Union was indicated by the present membership of 186, including several Dunedin schools, it was reported at the first annual meeting of the branch last night.

The association in New Zealand was affiliated to the World Federation of United Nations Associations, said Dr G. C. Billing, the retiring president. Members in Otago were definitely part of what was practically a world-wide organisation. It was hoped that some approach would be made by New Zealand branches to branches overseas, so that members could get to kuow each other better. It was decided that when the Soviet Minister, M. I. K. Ziabkin, made a formal visit to Dunedin next month, lie should be invited to attend a function to be arranged by the branch on March 11. M. Ziabkin will be invited to screen a film depicting life in Russia, and to address the gathering. Any monetary profit from the occasion will be sent to C.0.R.5.0., it was agreed, to be devoted to assisting Mr Rewi Alley’s scheme to transport New Zealand sheep from the China coast’ for a distance of 2,000 miles inland.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr J. H. Kempthorne; vicepresidents—Miss L. S. Morton, L)r G. C. Billing, and Mr C. A. Hill; council —Mesdames Mackie Begg, and 11'. S. Calvert, Misses S. Foote, F. Aldridge, and J. Rix, Professor J. A. Allan, Messrs It. H. Henderson, H. F. Kidson, E. Partridge, R. R. McNeill, \V. F. Reid, J. WT Holmes, J. Hunter, Warrington Taylor, J. M. Fraser, and R. J. Harn.er, the Rev. G. H. McNeur, the Rev. 0. T. Baragwanath, and the Rev. H. W. Burley; honorary secretary, Miss A. Borrie. Consideration was given 27 remits, which will be presented at the forthcoming Dominion conference. On the motion of the president, it was decided to place on record appreciation of the services given by Dr Billing during his term as president.