N.Z. LEGION

Southland Times, Issue 21996, 21 April 1933, Page 4

N.Z. LEGION

MEETING IN WELLINGTON.

“NOT A POLITICAL PARTY.”

(Per United Press Association.)

Wellington, April 20,. The reasons for the formation of the New Zealand Legion, together with its aims and objects, were explained at a meeting in the Town Hall last night. The first speaker was Mr Evan Parry, a barrister and solicitor, who was followed by Dr R. Campbell Begg, the president of the Legion.

Mr Parry refuted any suggestion that the Legion was an organization 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 the 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 that the first step in the policy of reconstruction must begin with the people themselves. In order to accomplish this, he urged the abolition of party system in politics, and claimed that under the platform of the Legion self interests would be subordinated to the common good. The aim of the Legion was to ensure the election to Parliament of men of integrity and independence. Dr Begg concluded his address by saying: “It is possible that the Government fears that the organization 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 by everybody responsible within the organization, and if the circumstances should be such that this eventuated, there will be no difficulty then in civil servants resigning their membership.”