THE NEW ZEALAND LEGION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22373, 21 September 1934, Page 10

THE NEW ZEALAND LEGION

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—As the headline to your article of tills morning on the New Zealand Legion may create the impression that there is serious clisscntion on a question of principle, and as such is not the case, I trust that you will allow me to give some additional facts.

The objects of the legion from its inception included the following;— 3. It proposes by means of the organised and directed voting power of the people themselves to secure a Government composed of men and women of integrity and intellect, freed from the trammels of sectional pressure and actuated solely by the motive of patriotic effort for the sake of the country.

4. Its sole aim is more eflicient government, central and local, and government based on national, not sectional, interests. Its pledge is loyalty to the constitution.

The above has been copied from the card which was signed by every member on enrolment, and it is clear that there could be no misunderstanding so far. There was, of course, plenty of room for discussion and for honest differences of opinion as to the method of carrying this out.

Conferences of delegates from the various divisions have been held from time to time and have adopted a more detailed programme which was published in the legion’s journal, National Opinion, and in daily papers. The last conference passed, amongst others, the following resolutions:— “ That all efforts of the legion be concentrated in the meantime on the reconstruction of the system of government according to the first four points of the legion programme.” "Thit the above governmental reform programme being considered vital, agreement to it will be the test by which candidates will gain the support of the legion.” “ That hard and fast tests on detailed economics and political questions, other than this programme, will not be insisted upon in the meantime as a test for the support of candidates, but general policy in this respect (which will, no doubt, receive the support of the candidates) will be developed through the organisation of the legion and its journal.” A majority (not all) of the members of the Dunedin Executive disagreed with the adoption of these resolutions, and chose, as a method of expressing their disagreement, t 0 resign from the executive. As the reappointment of the executive was in any case due, their action simply amounts to not seeking re-election. These gentlemen have not resigned from the legion nor expressed any disagreement with its aims. The view that they have expressed is their own and not necessarily that of the Otago Division, and the honesty of their action is appreciated. It is one of the primary aims of the legion to encourage discussion on political and economic subjects. It is not in accordance with its spirit to attempt to present an artificial appearance of unanimity, but it is united on fundamental principles, and there is certainly no question of a “ widening gap ” in its ranks.—l am, etc.. R. Gardner, I’or the Provisional Executive.

Sib.,—-As one of the members of the old executive of the Otago Division of the New Zealand Legion, 1 wish to dissociate myself from the statement made to your representative by Mr H. L. Paterson. The facts in the main as regards the resignation of the executive are correct. The reasons given for this are faulty. The allegation of “change of policy” made by this executive against the Centra] Executive in Wellington savours of hair-splitting, as the basic platform of the legion for reform of our methods of government is still pre-eminent. The cause of the breakdown in Dunedin lies chiefly with the Otago Executive, which, from a variety of causes, has ■ lost interest in the movement. Wellington is being made the scapegoat. In view of the activities, or inactivity, of the old executiye during the past tew months, the legion is to be congratulated on having a new executive, and one which deserves the support of all members. The much-needed reforms' which gained such enthusiastic support at the inception of the movement have still to be brought about.—l am, etc.. JAmes A. Jenkins. Dunedin, September 20.