RSA ANNUAL MEETING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27079, 13 May 1949, Page 8

RSA ANNUAL MEETING

Sir,—Apropos the newly-elected president’s address at the annual meeting of the Dunedin RSA, certain of his remarks appear to need clarification, whilst savouring faintly ,in reminiscence of a certain European (now deceased) whose early operations were on very much the same lines. Perhaps the president would tell us the exact aims of a nonparty political organisation,” as distinct trom patriotic verbosity. Also, ■ whether members of the RSA (as such) are better qualified to show “ unbiased judgment ” than the rest of the community who vote for their choice, and get what they deserve. ■ - A referendum to show whether exservice personnel share Mr Woods's opinions would be interesting, as no doubt many had a first-hand view of the results of too much “ Nationalistic ” propaganda, " Iron Guards ” and “ National Front,” etc., etc. The president might also enlighten us as to whether being a “ nonpartv political organisation ” was incorporated in the original charter of the RSA’s constitution To a realist, New Zealand's voice in international affairs is of necessity small indeed, but within New Zealand controversial issues such as those brought forward by Mr Wood should and can be settled by vote. As an open-minded per-/ son I feel that Mr Wood’s remarks suggest that his “non-party political organisation ” should usurp our present system, thus rendering Parliament unnecessary.—l am, etc.. Half a Loaf. Roxburgh.