Pahiatua League of Nations’ Union

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 141, 17 June 1936, Page 2

Pahiatua League of Nations’ Union

A very fair attendance was presided over by Mr H. E. Ogg at the second meeting of the Pahiatua League of Nations Union, held in the Borough Council chambers on Monday night. Apologies were received from Misses Milne, Allan and Junker, also Kev. C. M. Eoberts.

Mr G. L. Stafford, hon. secretary, presented the balance-sheet, which was adopted. The annual report read as follows: — *

“The membership of the branch stands at forty and the balance-sheet discloses that the financial affairs of the organisation are in a sound condition.

' ‘ ‘During the year your committee met from time to time and dealt with necessary business. There was a most successful reading of the play, “Ashes of Victory,” presented by members of the drama circle of the brauch under the direction of Mr H. R. Ogg. The reading was well, attended by members of the union and by the general public. Wo are indebted to the ladies of the branch who provided supper after this function.

"A number of members paid a visit to Wanganui at the invitation of members of the Wanganui branch. A telling address was delivered by Archdeacon J. A. Young,- M.A. After the meeting the visitors were entertained at the home of the president and his wife, Mr and Mrs G. A. Ammundsen. Members are indebted to Mr Milne Allan, through whose good offices this enjoyable trip was made possible.

“Mrs H. Paterson represented the branch at the' annual conference of the New Zealand League of Nations Union, held in Wellington in August of last year. This was the ninth annual conference of the union.

“During the year two of our vicepresidents, Mrs H. Paterson and Mr J. D. Wilson, were honoured recipients of the Jubilee medal, and members of the branch, we are sure, extend to them their felicitations.

“It is suggested that our activities be increased for the coming year and that endeavours be made to secure speakers for a number of public addresses, to arrange one or more study groups for the study of various problems concerning the League of Nations and its work, and to present a suitable play along the lines of the successful function held last year.

“In conclusion, it might be stressed that at a time when thp efficacy of the League of Nations in world affairs is being freely questioned, those who see in Geneva a safeguard for world peace should be especially active. The framework of the League embodies a great ideal: it expresses more than a pious hope—it stands for the firm conviction that the -way of peace is the only way for individual and national prosperity. The strength of the League does not rest ultimately with political • leaders; it rests in the weakness or the strength of public opinion. Great political figures either mould unenlightened public opinion or they reflect opinions of an enlightened public. Public opinion still does, as it always did, finally decide the issues of peace or war. Your union is working for an enlightened public opinon and seeks to promulgate the doctrine that peace and security must be sought not selfishly, but selflessly; not as a policy be pursued in ‘splendid isolation,’ but a policy to be pursued as a collective venture.” President’s Address Mr H. R. Ogg, the retiring president, welcomed new members on behalf of the branch. Speaking of the

work of the League of Nations Union, he pointed out that the union was fostering an interest in the League of Nations and was endeavouring to promulgate the idea of the outlawry of war. The failure ,o£ the League of Nations in dealing with the ItaloAbysinian dispute had shaken the confidence of many people in the League. It was really the people and not the politicians who shpuld decide tne question of peace or w r ar because it was the people who paid the penalties of war. The president Tead a resolution forwarded to the Prime Minister by the New Zealand Council of the League of Nations Union, in respect of the HoareLaval proposals. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr H. E. Ogg; vice-presidents, Mrs H. Paterson, Miss MeKenny, his Worship the Mayor (Mr J.D. Wilson), Eev. K. L. Warren, Eev. C. M. Eoberts, anC Mr Milno Allan; hon. secretary and treasurer, Miss B. Boyd; committee, Misses MeKenny and H. Boss, Mesdames J. D. Wilson and K. L. Warren, Messrs Milne Allan, A. J. Fair weather," and G. L, Stafford. Mr G. L. Stafford suggested that a number of study circles be formed in connection with the branch this year. He pointed out that members should make themselves familiar with the workings of the League, and should have definite knowledge concerning its achievements.

Mr W. A. Carthew spoke along similar lines. Members of the union should be in a position to answer arguments levelled against the League, and this could not be done without definite knowledge. On the motion of Mr Stafford, seconded by Miss Ross, it was decided that a committee consisting of the president, secretary, Rev. K. L. Warren, and Mr G. L. Stafford be set up to go into this matter.

Miss Ross proposed that a dozen copies of a school text book on the League of Nations be procured and lent to schools in the district. The meeting endorsed the suggestion.

The meeting concluded with votes of thanks to the chair, the Borough Council for the use of the building, to the retiring secretary, and the Press for publicity.