NEW ZEALAND LEGION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18068, 20 April 1933, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND LEGION

RALLY IN WELLINGTON ADDRESSES BY LEADERS (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The reasons for the formation of the New Zealand Legion, together with its aims and objects, were explained at a meeting in the Town Mali last, night. The lirst speaker was Mr. FI van I’arry, a banister and solicitor, who was fob lowed by Dr. Campbell Begg, president of the Legion. Mr. I’aiTv refuted any suggestion that the Legion was an organisation with Fascist ideals, and was emphatic that its aim was to become a rallying ground for everyone who took a serious interest in public affairs. He appealed to citizens to place their trust in the men behind the movement.

The present system of local and central government' was condemned by Dr. Begg, who said the first step in the policy of reconstruction must begin with the people themselves. In order to accomplish this ho urged the .abolition of the party system in politics, and claimed that mnicr the platform of the Legion self-interests would lie subordinated to tile common good. The aim of the Legion was to ensure the election to Parliament of men of integrity and independence.

Hr. Regg concluded 1 1 is address by saying: ‘‘it is possible that the Government fears that the organisation of the Legion may become a party, in the sense of a faction seeking representation in the House. I have said before that such a position is almost impossible, and will be resisted bv everybody responsible witliin the organisation, but if circumstances should lie such that this eventuated there will he no difficulty then in civil servants resigning their membership.”