EMPIRE SERVICE, LEAGUE.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14539, 17 October 1917, Page 1 (Supplement)

EMPIRE SERVICE, LEAGUE.

BRANCH; FORMED IN NELSON

(From "The Colonist," Oct. 4th.)

A Avell-attended and representative meeting of those interested in the formation of a branch of the Empire Service League, in Nelson Avas held in the City Council Chambers last night, in the absence of the Mayor, who had another engagement, Mr H. It. Duncan was'voted to the chair.

The chairman read telegrams" from the Wellington and HaAv lie's Bay brandies, Avishing the Nelson branch a successful career.

The chairnian said that if practical effect could bo given to its principles, the League would soon make its influence felt. - When, the Avar was over there Avould ba some grave problems to Jbe faced, and many people looked forSvard' to that time with anxiety. An active league'^devoted to tie objects which Mr Witherby had placed before them would be a great power for good. •

- Mr Pcrcival Witherby, the organising secretary of the League, then nioved that a branch be formed in Nelson, and, in speaking to the motion, outlined the scope and functions of the organisation in an interesting address. He said that .the Empire. Service League, was so ;named'- because the British Empire, which wa*s not an Empire at all on thn military autocratic sense of the term, but simply a community of Free States, a family of > Dominions, or a Commonwealth—embraces all nationalities and creeds, and because service in some form or other was the object and bas:s of life. There was a badge of membership which cost one shilling. It consisted of a steel bronze on which Avas fixed a small silver cross surmounted by the Union Jack, the cross being symbolic of sacrifice and the flag symbolic of those principles for Avhich avo were fighting to-day. He was one who believed it would be impossible for us to be fighting now in the Avay Aye Avere unless there Avas this sacred ''symbol behind the flag. There was no membership fee. The movement was entirely :i voluntary one. The small exposes incurred in its furtherance could; easilybe met by voluntary contributions from members, Avliicn would be duly acknoAvledgecl. lt'Avas suggested that branches as they were formed should contribute to the publication fund, out if they did so it Avas a voluntary act on their part. Each branch managed.and ..developed its oAvn affairs- subject to the broad aim« and objects set forth as the platform of the League, Avhich Avas as folloAvs:: —

1. To unite more thoroughly for the defence of the Empire, and for the extension of the freedom we have inherited

2. To extend our personal sympathy and actiAre support to all reasonable efforts to improve the morai and material conditions of life in this Dominion.

3. To promote tho closer and more earnest, exercise of sympathy and mutual trust between employers and employed, and a better understanding of each other's aims and aspirations.

4. To discourage "waste arising from extravagance m living and recreation among all classes.

o. And, above all, to fulfil our mast urgent and sacred duty by ensuring that those who are now giving their services and risking their lives for us at the front shall.be properly supported "in'the.present'crisis, and snail not be sacrificed or abandoned "through those of us Avho remain here in safety, selfishly ocuupying ourselves in promoting our own interests and pleasures, forgetful of our duty.

Mr Witherby proceeded to read a paper amplifying the objects of the movement. The paper will "bo published in a future issue.

Mr W. J. Moffatt seconded the reso-l lution. He said it was remarkable that of. their many organisations there vvasnot one Avherebv the individual could

give evidence* of . his good citizenship except as an individual. The League was just what; -was Avanted in Nelson.

The resolution Ava's- carried unanimously.

The chairman said a great amount of good could be done.by individuals working on the lines of the League. The same principles had always been preached, but the trouble was that they did not live up to them. The teaching ot altruistic principles should begin at an early age, and the League might do much good by taking an interest in education, in Avhich too much attention had been paid to mental attainments and too little to character and tho at.i tributes of good citizenship. ' • The-election, of'officers Avas then proceeded Avith.

On the motion of Mr A. It. Dvson, seconded by Mr Moffatt, Mr G. Lancaster Avas unanimously elected chairman of tie branch.

in returning thanks for his election.. Mr Lancaster" emphasised the universal character of the .League's -teachings I and principles. Mr W. B. Griffin was elected ■ secretary, on the motion of Major Stiles. I seconded by Mr K. Lucas. Mr W. Liddle was elected treasurer. It Avas decided to leave the election of a committee in abeyance. ,

Messrs.!; Ingram and-Jones, addressed the meeting^ as representatives of Labour, and eajiwessed Dheir .full sympathy Avith the movement, which they Avere 8 con*dent Avould become a permanent poAAer for good in the community. The meeting concluded Avifch hearty votes, of thanks to Mr. Witherby, the. chairman, and-the City Council for- the use of the chamber. *