Split In The Legion

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 220, 20 September 1934, Page 7

Split In The Legion

Dunedin Executive Resigns in a Body

POLITICAL ACTIVITYTHE POINT AT ISSUE

Per Press Association.

, DUNEDIN;- -Last-Night

As a result of .&.,divergeuce of opinion between tho central executive of the New Zealand Legion and tho Dunedin executive, members of tho latter have resigned iu a body, and a provisional executive has been appointed to function till the annual meeting of the Dunedin district has been held, when, it is understood, the question will bo considered whether members of the Legion in Dunedin retain their confldence in the policy of the central executive.

The decision, which may have a farreaching effect upon the Legion'sposition in the public life of New Zealand, was taken at a meeting held on September 5. At this meeting Dr. Campbell Begg, leader of the Legion, was present and addressed the members of the executive. A report was presented by Mr Paterson, president of the local branch, and after it had been discussed and received, the executive resigned in a body. A report explaining the reasons which had actuated the executive coming to its decision stated that the executive understood that the aims and objects of tho Legion were condensed in clause IV. of tho objects, and that the solo aim of tho Legion was the securing of more efficient government, central and local, and government based on national and not sectional interests.

The report pointed out that, at a conference of the Legion in Wellington in July, it had become evident that the aims of the Legion had departed from this interpretation and that the Legion was prepared.to enter the field as a political party. In view of this, the executive felt that it could not, in fairness to members who had been induced to join tho Legion on the old understanding, remain in office. It is understood that Dr. Begg addressed the meeting at considerable length, but the executive adhered to its decision to resign and it was resolved that a new executive should be selected. A meeting was held on September 7 and® a new executive was chosen.