EMPIRE YOUTH MOVEMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23083, 8 January 1937, Page 11

EMPIRE YOUTH MOVEMENT

WESTMINSTER ABBEY SERVICE DURING CORONATION PERIOD (From Our Own Correspondent) (By Air Mail) LONDON, Dec. 19. An Empire Youth Movement, having its genesis in a service in Westminster Abbey on May 19, is contemplated by English church authorities. No definite plans have been formulated yet, but it is intended that the Abbey service, which will take place when the Coronation decorations may be seen, should launch a movement for the youth or the Empire, having its basis not on political grounds, but directed by the Christian influence. The movement is not for children, but for young people of ages ranging between 16 and 18 years of age, who are about to make a start for themselves in the world. On May 19 it is hoped that young people of this age from the public and secondary schools of the United Kingdom and the Empire will attend the service. The free churches are to be invited to participate, together with movements such as Toe H, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides. Seating accommodation in the Abbey will be about 8000 at the time of the Coronation, and this space will be available for the congregation on May 19, when the Archbishop of Canterbury will preach, and, it is hoped, royalty will be present. It is also proposed that services should be held throughout the country and in the Empire on the same date. . As the proposal originated in Canada, it is hoped that there will be strong Empire representation at the abbey service, and young people accompanying their parents to England for the Coronation will be cordially welcomed. The high commissioners of the dominions are to be approached and asked to lend their co-operation. It is also proposed that a rally shall be held in the Albert Hall. The nucleus of a committee has been formed to consider the objective, which shall be regarded as the purpose of the movement. Mr L. S. Amery is the chairman, and his committeemen include Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, Sir Josiah Stamp, Sir Edward Peacock, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Dean of Canterbury. One of the reasons underlying the suggestion for such a movement is the apparent lack of interest in young people of this age in England and the Empire as compared with that taken in foreign countries. The young people, it is thought, should learn to appreciate the great heritage which they have in the British Empire.