LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11948, 19 May 1933, Page 3

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

LECTURE ON X.Z. LEGION

The League of Alethor-s ‘ mot on Tuesday afternoon m the City Hail. Airs. Golfs, tho vice-president, occupied the chair iu the absence, on account, ol sickness, of the president. Members voted a donation towards tho funds of Pioneer Day (May 24), after which, the spcalivi 1 for the altei'noon was introduced. Air. L-. T. Burnard spoke on tlie Now Zealand Legion. ■ Me briefly explained tho origin oi the movement—tho meeting to discuss present-day conditions of men of common ideals, of how these men came into touch with Dr. Campbell LI egg and decided to meet together to try and improve, matters in these times of national emergency. As the impress of one man’s thought is usually to bo lomiu iu any groat movement, so mentally and spiritually Dr. Campbell Begg had bv putting into concrete form tlie thoughts of others, lovmulatcd the policy oi’ the Legion. The name. New Zealand Legion, covered six aspects ol thought—numerical strength, honour, patriotism,comradeship, opportunity and defence. People who fed they can be

animated by a common purpose can meet together. One must he selfinformed before otic can inform others., and .it is necessary to become acquainted with one another s problems before any common good can be achieved. Eighteen districts had been formec; in New Zealand wil-li numerous branches and it is possible- for all interested lo meet and offer suggestions in an endeavour to lift the country out,of its present difficulties. People are‘.thinking more seriously than they used to. ' Checking up on the ideas of other people is a corrective to false doctrine ami helps to form a common basis oj opinion.

The cliiff object aimed at by the Legion is the elimination of the party system. Sumo reform in the system of government in New Zealand scents necessary ; the party system by tying a, man down prevents the best brains being ventilated. The host men will not no in o forward since they are not willing l (> pledge themselves to fl policy not clearly defined.- In New Zealand, party is indefinite; apart front Labour .no particular platform is formed, catchwords often, influence the result of elections, and pressure from outside is often brought to bear instead of consultation of Cabinet in the best interests of the country as a whole. There is much waste of time in addresses and 1 speeches to which members do not bother to i|sten. It is suggested that the Gov-ernment-should be carried on in -the same way as with the joint stock companies who are ..controlled, by, a • board of directors- men chosen for. their :knowledge of the business, who meet together in. its best - interests and do not divide into parties whose duty .'is do oppose everything the : other, party :proposes. We should see blife‘best men- ejected to . Parliament' that /they-may; use their brains facing .and solving ,the problems ..of the .country.-' New Zealand is too •much, divided. Thero; are; 670 ; )°cal bodies;: aiid. .the M.R. of the. district tends, to associate, vyith these,, be .becomes.- an advocate , for ;bis own district and the,spending of. money tbe-ye; bo presses /the Ministers in their ;intcresb ’instead -4pf facing problems from the' national point - of view, . .In order to. nit?ml-this state of affairs., it i§ necessary * to f have .the support of large numbers, ? tTf a majority ■ ,of sane .sober, -...moderate -, people support such an organisation, as the

Legion, good men may be encouraged to stand for Parliament conscious ot the Legion’s strong til behind them. Tlie’v need give no pledge to pait\. but face each problem as it arises, and by electing tbo ablest men among themselves as Ministers so bring an element of unity to tbo country. The knowledge of the existence of the Legion behind them will keep them up to the mark and give them courage for the bold steps that may Im necessary. AW can expect no personal benefit from such a movement, but the future of tbo country is io bo considered and that is bound up in our children. , Mrs. Goffe moved a vote of thanks to the speaker for his clear exposition of the subject, and this "’as carried by acclamation. She reminded members that though individually they might join the movement, the League of Mothers, being a noupolitical body, could not sponsor the Legion. The serving of tea brought the meeting to a close.