THE IDEAS OF THE LEGION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19624, 19 October 1933, Page 11

THE IDEAS OF THE LEGION.

To the Editor of “ The Tlmaru Herald ” Sir,—lt is very regrettable to note that the recent letter of “Notabilis,” shows no improvement on his previous effort. However, his latest letter is unique. It is scarcely possible to know at which end to begin to disentangle his knot of absurdities. Perhaps, it is best to give prior consideration to his introduction; nevertheless, it appears no easier to unravel his tangle from its beginning. “The scheme,” according to "Notabilis,” “is a thought for the future." The reference is of course, to Dr. Begg's immigration scheme, and “Notabilis” has commenced his letter by contradicting his commanding officer. Dr. Begg vflould, if he had a chance, commence his scheme immediately; in fact, he dates its commencement from the year 1934 A.D. Secondly, Dr. Begg’s “thought for the future,” is to see immigrants pouring into New Zealand. Your correspondent now proceeds to state that the Legion is opposed to dictatorships; but, with surprising sense for such a writer, he does not say that the Legion is opposed to nationalism. Like Nazism and Fascism, the Legion is representative of the cult of nationalism. But, when he states that the Legion is opposed to dictatorships, he forgets a fact exemplified by the past and present history of nearly all the countries in the world. He forgets that a country is controlled by a dictator, if it is not controlled by party politics; and he forgets that party politics comprise one of the main principles of democracy. It is well to remind ''Notabilis” that every country which has suffered the abolition of party politics, has also suffered the abolition of democracy, and it has also suffered the rule of a dictator. Let us now take another knot from his letter. “Why, study circles are the basis of any movement,” cries “Notabilis,” “and none but a lunatic would suggest that there was anything wrong with study circles.” The main thing wrong about Legion study circles, Is that the Legion has no useful knowledge to teach in those circles. If the study circles were to study the history of political science, they would leave the Legion because they would perceive the folly of the Legion. To date, all that has emanated from the Legion has comprised an odious criticism of party politicians and a few howling wild cat schemes, such as stamp scrip and a bloated plan to swell our population. We must admit that these terrible schemes are not fit for the immature minds in a Legion study circle. “Notabilis” continues, and he states that churches and other institutions have study circles. Does “Notabilis” realise that he has admitted that parties exist in a free country? He must agree to churches, and these are parties of people; he must agree to workers’ associations, and to commercial associations, and to educational associations. Like many other institutions in New Zealand, all these bodies are composed of parties of people who possess a common interest. “Notabilis" must agree to the value of these institutions. But, from among them all, he takes party politics, and he says that political parties should not exist. Can think thus, and still think of democracy and freedom? If all political parties were abolished, does he think that the people of New Zealand would possess one, and only one political opinion? "Notabilis” must allow’ people to form a church. If they agree on religious opinion; and he must allow people to form industrial and educational associations: but he would prohibit people from forming a society because they held the same political opinion! Most certainly, the arguments used by your correspondent will never be found in logic; most certainly, his ideas will never be law in New Zealand, provided New Zealand retains freedom. And, we might say that his ideas will never be law in New Zealand, because New Zealand people will never renounce their freedom. The Legion cannot abolish political parties, unless tt abolishes all other parties and all other sectional interests.

"The Legion,” repeats "Notabilis,” “has a definite policy." He then proceeds to enumerate the "definite policy." He has sufficient commonsense to omit stamp scrip and immigration schemes, but evidently, he has not sufficient commonsense to realise that the few useful things in his enumeration have been recommended by the New Zealand newspapers tor many years: indeed, many of the ideas are already included in the policies of existing political parties. So. your correspondent's enumeration of the Legion's “definite policy.” Is not worth further comment. "Parliament under the present system." says “Notabilis," “is dictated to by a small section of the House, under the sway of the aettng-

Prlme Minister, who himself Is invested with extraordinary powers.” It would be very nice if ’ Notabilis” would bless his statements with even a shadow c' proof. However, he asserts that “the acting-Prime Minister” really sways the House. Again, this statement does not require comment: tt cheerfully proclaims its own absurdity. But, it is difficult to reconcile your correspondent’s concluding statements with this

grudge against “the acting-Prime Minister.” It is very difficult to interpret his phrase, “the acting-Prime Minister.’ The meaning is not intelligible. All the same, “Notabilis” continues. “The Legion does not blame past or present Governments," he declares, “nor does it malign present Members of Parliament. . . ' But all the same, he maintains that “the acting-Prime Minister” sways the House. Unhappy “Notabilis” has also forgotten the veiled and atrocious innuendo used against party politicians by Timaru's Legion “Pen Section.” Certainly, the Legion maligned present Members of Parliament. Either the Legion's memory is short, or it has acquired a belated realisation of its follies. “Notabilis” has many remarks to make about "Nota Bene.” It is not necessary to make much comment on his remarks. One will be chosen, merely because it is a new specimen of absurdity. “His letter,” accuses “Notabilis,” “leads me to believe that he is not honest in his criticism, and is merely playing to the gallery.” Your correspondent can be honestly assured that the criticisms could be nothing else but honest. But, it would be interesting to know what he means by “the gallery.” Is that the name he gives to the people of South Canterbury? Now in conclusion, it must be said that the writings of “Notabilis” have been treated as the writings of the Legion. Certainly, nobody could bear “Notabilis" any malice; instead, many people will feci sorry for him. So. au revoir to “Notabilis.” Time will not allow all his absurdities to be disentangled and anyway, the Legion would be forgotten before the task was done.—l am, etc., NOTA BENE. Timaru, October 17.