MENACE OF WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23542, 4 July 1938, Page 7

MENACE OF WAR

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—l feel too highly honoured. First a letter from the Rev. C. Tocker and now a letter from the Rev Dr Merrington! It is true that the firstnamed gentleman proved to be one 01 those strong, silent men, who cannot be induced to explain anything not even why they bring false accusations of libel. Perhaps 'the Rev. Dr Merrington, though equally strong, will prove to be less silent. He is more courteous than the Rev. C. Tocker, he merely accuses me of ‘ vagaries (accent on the second syllable, please.). But he is just as coy as his brother parson, when it comes to the publishing of those precious balance sheets, he will not remove the veil from beauty’s face. As regards your note appended, Sir, to one of my letters; those balance sheets would, of course, be published as advertisements at the ordinary rates. You might let me know what the charge would be, as I am afraid that the Rev. Dr Merrington would not foot the bill. Two ministers of the pacifist Presbyterian Church are presidents of the non-pacifist League of Nations Union. I cannot believe it. There is a catch somewhere. Let me quote from the Rev. Dr Merrington’s letter: “ Like the League of Nations, the union aims at constructive means of establishing peace between the nations in place of the destructive measures of warfare. There is nothing new in that. Negotiations have always preceded warfare. But when negotiations have failed the Covenant of the League of Nations not only sanctions warfare, but, in certain cases, enjoins it. Therefore, the League expects its members to be sufficiently strong to enforce international obligations. Has the Otago branch of the League of Nations Union encouraged New Zealanders to become worthy and useful supporters of the League by arming themselves sufficiently not only to protect themselves, but also to be able to help other members of the League when attacked? Why not publish those balance sheets and vindicate the honour of the Otago branch? There is another matter worth discussion. Here in Invercargill, and, no doubt, also in Dunedin, beautiful and instructive lectures have been given under the auspices of the League of Nations Union, the subjects chosen being such attractive ones as “ The Blue Danube ” and (shameful!) “ Reforming the League of Nations.” The general public is under the impression that those lectures were not paid for. that the lecturers were lecturing for the love of the League. Now for a straight question: Were all or any of those lecturers paid for their services?—l am, etc.. J- Dakin. Invercargill.