R.S.A. AND POLITICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26285, 17 October 1946, Page 2

R.S.A. AND POLITICS

Sir,—ln this morning’s paper a correspondent over the signature of “ Nonpolitical ” comments on the action of the R.S.A. concerning Mr Jones, the candidate for parliamentary honours. I will challenge your correspondent on his signature, for it is obvious that only a smallminded Labour supporter would support the controversy. I will wager that a vote taken of the members of the R.S.A. would confirm the rights of the individual, and, furtehr, I will assure your correspondent that if the executive of the R.S.A had acted other than the way it did there would have been a very large crop of resignations from R.S.A membership. It is wonderful how the Labour Party supporters say to the country, " Don’t do as I do, but do as I tell you,” and then repeat their parrot talk about freedom. I ask your readers to ask themselves quietly: How can a dictator talk about freedom?—l am, etc., Common Sense. October 16. Sir,—As another old soldier. 1 would like to reassure “ Non-political ” that everything is nice and dandy, and not to worry. Mr Norman Jones is young, and does not appear to have good advisers in the game of politics. He does not realise that to be placed in the position of apparently doing wrong is as bad as being actually guilty. Messrs Falconer and Paterson were wiser In their day and generation. The R.S.A., Heritage, Rotary, and the two Chamber? of Commerce are all non-political, but the executives of each, without exception, are composed of men holding the views of one political party. This at first sight might appear a disadvantage to the other political party members in the rank and file, but in practice it is not so, as the necessary work is done by advocates highly trained in the best way to obtain objectives—men who have the leisure and urge to do things—by a white-collar birgade able to dress for the part, having the know-how for social functions, and having digestions equal to the many luncheons, dinners, and banquets considered necessary or advisable. It is doubtful if things could be better arranged.—l am, etc.. Old BillSir, —The R.S.A. is a non-political body, but I hope it is also a democratic body. So long as a member does not introduce political matter into R.S.A affairs, or try to involve the organisation'--in any outside political controversy, then there can be no justification for interfering with that member’s rights to outside activities. The fact that two previous members resigned when involved in politics does not bind other members to a like course. Their action may have arisen from a belief that they were obliged to resign, or from a belief that, while under no obligation, it was in the best interests of the R.S.A or simply from the opinion that it was best for themselves to resign and so avoid any ‘fcriticisim such as has arisen in this case. Also, I believe that a member of the Legislative Council lias held office in a northern branch of the R.S.A., but, of course, that may be different, as he is a Labour supporter. If Mr Jones had been president or an elected M.P., then the position might have been different. Further, it must be remembered that he was elected to the executive by members who knew he had already been a political candidate and probablv would be again. Mr Norman Jones did not take the easy way, but was prpared to face adverse criticism from political opponents in standing up for what he believes to be his democratic rights. your correspondent, “ Non-political " is simply trying to make political capital out of this affair, and is obviously politically inspired, but I will make no secret of the fact that.—l am, etc., A Nationalist.