RESISTANCE TO INJUSTICE

Southland Times, Issue 23795, 18 April 1939, Page 8

RESISTANCE TO INJUSTICE

Lord Galway’s Faith In Empire

REPERCUSSIONS OF WAR

PRINCIPLES HANDED DOWN BY FOUNDERS

(United Press Association)

BLENHEIM, April 17,

A firm belief that if ever the British Empire was threatened with attack it would steadfastly resist injustice was expressed by the Governor-General (Viscount Galway) when responding to a welcome given to Lady Galway and himself at Picton today. The GovernorGeneral remarked that if the war clouds over Europe burst, there would be repercussions all over the world, but there could not be the slightest doubt that all the Empire would once more, if necessary, stand together for the principles of liberty and justice. Lord Galways’ remarks were made at the end of a formal reply to an address of welcome.

“In these times dark clouds hang over the continent of Europe and when, or if, those clouds burst repercussions will be felt all over the world,” he said. /We must make stern resolutions that we will all adhere to the principles handed down by those who founded the Empire. Those principles are liberty, justice and toleration and they are to be found in the four corners of the earth, wherever the English language is spoken. Standing at this war memorial, as we are today, makes one sad to think that the hopes of 20 years ago have not been accomplished. The conflict of 1914-1918 was a war to end war. We hoped that it would be followed by a period when justice would prevail and the bitterness engendered by the war forgotten. The British Empire did its • utmost to lead the world to disarm and spend that money in the promotion of happiness and prosperity and not on the burden of armaments. Unfortunately, other nations did not follow our example. Britain has had to rearm at great expense and the burden will be felt for many years to come, but we are not going to turn from our principles of liberty and justice. If other nations attack us they will find us strong, as in the past, and that we will stand to our path. We are determined not to. give way to tyranny and injustice and will preserve inviolate the heritage that has been handed down to us.”

ORGANIZING DEFENCE FORCES REINSTATEMENT TO 1911 BASIS URGED (United Press Association) DUNEDIN, April 17. “This annual general meeting of members of the Territorial Association of Otago, while appreciating the response pf recruits to local units, is of the opinion that the international situation justifies the Government in reinstating the New Zealand Defence Forces to the 1911 basis of organization of units, and urges the Minister of Defence favourably to consider recruiting old units up to pre-war establishment. It is of the opinion that such action would largely assist the recruiting campaign and would encourage officers and other ranks in the service they give to the State.”

That was the text of a motion carried unanimously by the annual meeting today of the Territorial Association of Otago.

NATIONAL REGISTER ADVOCATED

MR RICE EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE

A letter from the Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C., in which he deplored the fact that voluntary service had proved a failure was read at a meeting of the Wyndham sub-branch of the Defence League. The chairman (Mr S. Rice) said that he agreed and he emphasized the necessity for immediate preparation. The first thing to be done was to obtain a national register of both sexes of those eligible to give service to the Dominion in any way, he said. The aims of the league were not political and the promoters had no desire to embarrass the Government. Defence matters were above party politics and although a lot of money would probably have to be spent, he felt sure the people would deny themselves luxuries to find the

money to save the country. It had been very pleasing to him to see the fine gesture made by the teachers of Southland when a big number had volunteered to serve in any capacity in the defence of the country. It was not only the youths of the country who were wanted, but men from 45 to 60 years were needed too. This was where the Returned Soldiers’ Association would come in, as the members would be the first to form the spearhead while the young men were being trained. The following boundaries for the sub-branch were, fixed: To the Caddon and Wyndham runs on the east; from Taylor’s corner to C. L. Humphries, then down to Gait’s valley on the north; from Johnston’s at the Coalpit road, along the road past the Menzies Ferry factory to the Island bridge, thence along the Mataura river to the Titiroa stream on the west; from Flamborough to the letter box, then down the Titiroa on the south.

Mr E. S. Macfarlane was appointed assistant secretary.

The following were added to the list of district representatives: Messrs J. H. Galt (Tuturau), T. Mcßride and J. Mc- ! Millan (Oware), J. Dobson and Peter Campbell, jun. (South Wyndham), R. McCaughan (Ridges) and A. C. Bulling (Glenham).

MECHANIZED UNITS AT * TRENTHAM DISPLAY AROUSES GREAT INTEREST (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 17. Despite threatening weather, several thousand persons made the trip to Trentham on Saturday afternoon to see the demonstration of mechanized units at the military camp. A field battery of six Bren armoured carriers, a platoon of motor-cyclists and mobile anti-air-craft units took part in the display, which was most impressive and aroused great interest.