Manawatu Branch Of League of Nations

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 65, 18 March 1937, Page 10

Manawatu Branch Of League of Nations

PROGRAMME PLANNED At a meeting of the Manawatu branch of the League of Nations Union, presided over by Rev. J. Hubbard, reference was made to the recent Rotary Pacific Conference held in Wellington and the outstanding addresses on international questions given during the sessions. It was reported that New Zealand Rotary would make the furtherance of the 4th object of Rotary, the creation of international goodwill as opposed to force, its main endeavour for this year. Several speakers had thought it was time Rotary came to the forefront with its views in order to offset the mad international rush of armaments, and Dr. Inglis Robertson, representing Australian Rotary, had been most emphatic on this point. It was reported that Rotarian Hitchcock, president of the Christchurch Club, had indicated that every Rotarian should live up to the objects of the organisation by joining membership with the League of Nations Union. The chairman indicated that it was pleasing that almost the whole time of the Pacific Rotary Conference was taken up with international subjects, and that war had been so strongly condemned by all the speakers as a means of settling international disputes. A full programme of meetings was arranged for the year and an endeavour would be made to secure a visit to Palmerston North of Dr. Inui, of Shanghai, whose addresses had created such a marked impression on Wellington audiences. In supporting this object, the chairman said that ho doubted if there was a building large enough iu Palmerston North to hold the audience that would be attracted by Dr. Inui, but every endeavour would be made to obtain a visit, although it was understood that his present programme was limited to the four centres. He, the chairman, had attended the Pacific Rotary Conference and other speakers awell as Dr. Inui had made a marked impression on the audiences and the effect on New Zealand, spread by so many business men, would serve to Increase the peace-mindedness of New Zealanders. It was decided to confer with the principals of the Boys 1 High School, Girls' High School and Technical School with regard to the offering of cups or prizes for debates in the schools on international subjects.