POST-WAR PROBLEMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25994, 7 November 1945, Page 6

POST-WAR PROBLEMS

DIFFICULTIES AHEAD

ADDRESS BY MISS JEAN BEGG

Some of the post-war problems that would have to be faced, not only in New Zealand but all over the world, were outlined by Miss Jean Begg, M.8.E., Director of War Services of the Y.W.C.A. overseas, in an address at the Y.W.C.A. last night. Miss Margaret Gibson, president of the Leaders’ Club of the Dunedin Y.W.C.A., which sponsored the address, presided, and Miss Begg was introduced to the large audience by (Miss Jean Campbell, Youth Secretary of the New Zealand Y.W.C.A.

“ There is in the world to-day far too widespread a desire for personal security and too little appreciation of the spiritual values,” Miss Begg said. “The problems that beset the world will never be solved unless they are approached in a spirit of helpfulness and sacrifice.” An Unsettled World

Recent utterances of prominent men all over the world have given some idea of the magnitude of the difficulties involved in restoring the world to some sort of order. Miss Begg continued. Many countries still bore the terrible scars of war and their peoples were hungry and unsettled. In some of the smaller countries, the colonies and protectorates, the impact of war had given rise to new political aspirations and demands, including, often, a genuine desire for independence. Great Britain, in spite of malicious criticisms that had been freely made, was making an honest endeavour to assist these countries, but the problem was one for the thinking people of all the world, and not for just one or two countries. In our own country, Miss Begg said, much serious consideration would have to be given to the rehabilitating of our servicemen and women. These men and women were returning from a life in which decisions were followed by action, and many of them would be impatient of the delays inseparable from the workings of a democracy. Some of them would have ideas, political and otherwise, which they would consider should be put into operation immediately, and it would be some time before their mental readjustment would be complete. New Zealanders Popular Miss Begg went on to speak of the work of the Y.W.C.A. in North Africa and elsewhere, and described how popular the New Zealanders were wherever the division was sent. The New Zealand troops were everywhere recognised as good “mixers,” she said, and it was particularly pleasant to see the firm friendship that existed between the pakeha and Maori soldiers. At the conclusion of the address a vote of thanks was moved by Miss Betty Bradley, and was carried by acclamation.