LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18286, 8 June 1929, Page 18

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

FINE POSTER DISPLAY AT TECHNICAL COLLEGE. Since the World War swept over the earth in those momentous years 191418, mankind has been imbued with a new spirit—a spirit evincing an earnest desire for the promotion of peace and International goodwill. From that spirit arose a hope for international disarmament and the reign of law, and a war-weary world formed the greatest peace organisation that has ever existed—the League of Nations. Since the inception of the League of Nations, a League of Nations Union has been formed which seeks to make the League of Nations a League of Peoples by so informing and educating the public that the League will have behind it the solid support of the masses —a movement that has already encouraged a more rational and more sympathetic interest in international problems.

COLOURED POSTER EXHIBITION. As the scars of war are rapidly healing, and many of its horrors are forgotten, it is one of the tasks ol the Union to foster that splendid desire lor peace and international brotherhood, especially among the younger generation. At intervals, essays and competitions, in subjects relating to the League’s work are arranged, and for the recent annual poster competition, which was judged by Mr R. Donn, Art Instructor at the Training College, Dunedin, entries were received from the various schools throughout New Zealand. Largely owing to the '■ energetic committee of the local branch if the League of Nations Union, 4he posters, which are a considerable improvement on last year's display, have been shown at both the Timaru Boys' nd Girls’ High Schools, where they j ittractetd considerable interest among ! the pupils, and are at present on exhibition at the Timaru Technical Colloge. The outstanding poster of the exhibition, by R. Fraser. School-of Arts, Dunedin, is a fine effort. It is all that a poster should be. The idea and treatment is original, and this is where so many of the other posters fail to attract to the same degree. No matter how well the subject is drawn up, if the idea is old. the appeal fails. Henoe youthful poster artists in a competition of the sort should realise that the angel of peace, and diverse people representing different nationalities are better left alone. Fraser's post ::\ which secured first prize, wins easily on this point alone. His idea, ‘‘The League of Nations is the Key to Peace," is cleverly treated. A huge key makes the main appeal, and bold flat colours add a pleasing composition. Moreover, the lettering is delightful, artistic and clear. If Fraser's poster is outstanding, there are, however, some that represent distinctly good efforts. Tui Northey, also of the School of Art, Dunedin, with second place, has an attractive poster design, but her work lacks the bold appeal of the winner. Although from an art point of view, some of the posters are first-class, the lettering in some cases is inclined to be weak. Posters with mioroscopic lettering fail to drive home their message, and this is a point, even where the colour work has been splendid, which has lost the entrants points in a number of cases. Second equal place was gained by Alison M. West-Watson, of "Nga Tawa,” the Wellington Diocesan College, whose poster depicts the search of the peoples of many nations over the rugged hills before the ultimate goal. Peace, is reached. Highly recommended, the poster entitled “Peace Through the League of Nations,” by Rodney Kennedy, of the School of Arts, Dunedin, is another attractive blending of colour. In the Junior Division, the poster of Marie J. Buchanan, Otago Girls’ High School, entitled “Key to Peace and Prosperity,” took first prize, while the poster of Mary R. Wilson, “Nga Tawa,” Marton, depicting the peoples of many nations climbing the steps to the great Arch of Peace, _ came a close second. “Pax, Amicitia, 'Concordia," by Ernestine Dive, is a fine piece of black and white work, while another poster, “That They May Grow up in Peace," by Phyllis Burton, Nelson Girls’ College, was also highly recommended. Among other subjects of interest “The Rise of Day,” “The Fruits of a Peaceful World,” “Mars Outlawed,” “The Five Races of Mankind Unite in Peace and Prosperity," “Goodwill Among Nations Is Our Protection,” “After the Storm—Peace," are foremost. Taken as a whole, the exhibit is well worth inspecting, and should have an especial appeal to all those interested in the work of the League of Nations. The posters will be on view at the Technical College to-day betweeh the hours of 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.