SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27443, 17 July 1950, Page 4

SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Work Of Voluntary Organisations FUTURE IN BRITAIN A broadcast■ address on voluntary action for the common good was given last night by Mr G. Haynes, general secretary of the National Council of Social Services of Great Britain, and president of the International Conference of Social Work, who has been in New Zealand for several week* studying the social services and meeting workers. Mr Haynes said that he had been impressed by similarities in the problems of Britain and the Dominion in social and educational matters. The move to the cities in both countries created the problem of how to make country life more interesting for the young, and how to create a better community life in the cities. •' . , , , , He was often asked about the future of voluntary organisations in Great Britain, Mr Haynes said. It was asked if there was any future for them at all since the State was doing, or was going to do, so much for the people. He considered that the day which saw the end of voluntary action for the common good also saw the end of the British tradition as it had been recognised. The love of freedom, _ the deepest passion known to the British race, had expressed itself in this way above all others. A full life found its part in the life of others—with cooperation—and a sense of sharing. If this fellowship with one’s fellow men were to cease, the change, in the British way of life would be profound. ’ Much of the social legislation framed during the war and since provided for a continuation of the work of the voluntary organisations, Mr Haynes said. He was convinced that there was as great an opportunity for voluntary effort in Great Britain as there had ever been previously. In youth work, local education authorities had the power to encourage voluntary clubs and to provide leadership and finance. There was also a great development in recent years for work for old people. In both these projects the voluntary societies were consulted and assisted by the authorities. There was recognition of the fact that the State could. not be the universal provider.

The test came, Mr Haynes said, when a new service was established and administered. There was then a need for constant vigilance on both sides and for goodwill and understanding in devising the working conditions of the partnership between the State and the voluntary organisation. The official department should sacrifice some efficiency for the zeal and flexibility of voluntary action. The voluntary organisation should recognise the obligations of official support and maintain high standards <of performance. Some sensitive and imaginative work had been done in New Zealand in creating community centres and associations, Mr Haynes said. There were few things more important. He had discussed the problems of the Maoris with both young and old' members of the race. In a sense, this was the most difficult community problem of all, but it also presented the greatest opportunity. It was an opportunity and a challenge to create something which could become a pattern and example to the rest of the world.