THE PEACE DEMONSTRATIONS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10740, 10 November 1928, Page 7

THE PEACE DEMONSTRATIONS

(To the Editor.) ' Sir, —As everyone' knows, it has been decided to take, advantage of the fact that Armistice Bay j this year falls on a Sunday and to hold a demonstration in fayor of peace on the afternoon of. that day. It “is hardly necessary to say anything of what another - war. • would) ymean or the danger that another jvar, may come in spite of all that the League, of Nations can. do-rrmany people, still maintain that nothing can ever eliminate that danger—but it may be. useful to point out the value . of such a meeting as this and the necesity for a large attendance. -It is) of course, well known that lio government can go far in advance of public opinion and that every .government welcomes public support in any new step forward it is consider; ing. Our government has just signed the Kellogg Peace Pact by which we have undertaken that in no circumstances will we go to war except in self-defence. By the Covenant of the League we bound ourselves, not to attack without a previous delay, to be used in discussion at Geneva, but there was always “the loophole” through which war might creep in. That is. now closed. It; therefore, now becomes necessary to provide some other means of deciding international differences. Several methods are open; but this ia just the kind oi question governments like to postpone. It is not one likely to turn them out at next election.' A wise decision now , may greatly reduce the • chance'of war in the future, but that dot's not make it “a, popular, question-'* ~ That, is one of the great uses of our Peace Demonstration. It brings those who realise the danger of war out: into the open where they can be , seen and counted and in this way it'; makes their weight tell, and influences .the policy of whatever government may. be in power. Now the average citizen dislikes putting himself forward, he doesn’t want-to be conspicuous; he has other things he .wants to do on Sunday afternoon; he has a dozen good excuses for not- going. Well, if that is . the way, there will be a poor attendance and whatever resolution is adopted will carry no weight. If we want peace we must be willing to work for it, . willing even to sacrifice our convenience--for it. -So then, if you fear war and wish for peace show, it by being present at the City Hall on Sunday afternoon.—Your3.- etc,.- .. THOS. TODD.