TO OPPOSE BOLSHEVISM.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1587, 15 March 1919, Page 9

TO OPPOSE BOLSHEVISM.

DOMINION WELFARE LEAGUE. NEAV ORGANISATION FORMED. Pi-ess Association. WELLINGTON, March 14. At a well attended meeting of delegates from all parts of the Dominion, held in Wellington on Wednesday, it was unanimously resolved to constitute a league (.ailed the New Zealand Welfare League. The following is the official report supplied:— j What actuated the formation of the league was the feeling that the problems awaiting solution after the war re- . quired ability, sincerity and responsibility in the elected "representatives of the j people for their settlement, and the , necessity to oppose the propaganda and activities of those sections or tho com- , inunity which openly espouse Bolshevist or revolutionary principles. The league's chief undertaking will be j to organise all men who support stable , government, and a policy of sane pro- ' gross, favouring no one class of the country, and get them to the poll. It will also influence tho selection of suitable j and responsible candidates for Parliament, and endeavour to raise the personal standard of the people's representatives j in Parliament. The principal objects of the league, are thus stated: To organise all who support stable government and a policy of sane progress, favouring no one class of the community; To oppose revolutionary political propaganda, while giving support to the legitimate rights of Labour; ( To educate public opinion with re- ' spect to the political problems of the day, such as the health and well-being of'children, a better understanding between employer and employee, the fallacy of a restricted output, and the necessity of increased production to ' meet the interest on war loans and pensions; Generally to promote g6"od governnient to ensure the general welfare of all classes; To assist in the repatriation of soldiers and their re-absorption into civil life; To select suitable and responsible men for Parliament, and other public bodies. The league is independent of, and unpledged to, any of the existing parties, and aims at securing the due influence at the polls of the large body of sane, moderate opinion, and electing men of constructive abilitv. Mr C. P. Skerrctt, K. 0., of Wellington, was unanimously elected president of the league, and a constitution was adopted. Prompt steps will be taken to form branches of the league throughout New Zealand. "NOT A POLITICAL BODY." [Special to The Sun.] WELLINGTON, March 14. The announcement of the formation of the New Zealand Welfare League, headed by Mr C. P. Skerrett, K.C., came without preliminary blowing of trumpets. The league is tho result of a meeting of business men in Wellington. It is not to bo confused with the group of Reform members who have been discussing programmes and policies lately, though tho two movements are looking in the same direction, and are in some degree connected. Mr Skerrett, the president of the league, stated this evening that he had nothing to add to the statement supplied for publication and distributed through the Press Association. The league had a definite programme of work, and it would proceed with its programme in due course, i It was not a political body in the sense of being attached to any political party, though naturally it would be interested in political tendencies. Yesterday, Mr A. Macpherson, South Island Fields Supervisor to the Agricultural Department, accompanied by Mr G. Witty, M.P., inspected Mr E. W. Coop's property on the Fendalton Eoad, about three and a half miles from the city. It had been stated at the New Zealand Poultry Conference that no good land was available for cutting into small blocks for poultry farming, but Mr Coop is prepared, if the Government desires it, to dispose of 250 acres for closer settlement for soldiers. Mr. Macpherson considers the land ideal for lucerne growing and cutting into small holdings. Part of the land adjoining has been sold by Mr H. J. Beadel to the Government for closer settlement. It is the intention of Mr Beadel to make arrangements for representatives of the poultry industry to inspect the land to see whether it is suitable for poultry farming. AETIST PROOFS. By Claude Ring, Portrait Photographer, attain perfection in photographic art. Studio: Stewart Dawson's Buildings. 'Phone 1)053. .7 , Akaroa —of which General Pau says: "I was delighted with its beauty and i scenery; the visit made one of the i happiest days of my tour." Stay at the . Metropole Hotel. Overlooks bays. I First-class accommodation. .5