LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXX, Issue 20166, 22 July 1935, Page 10

LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION

TIMARU BRANCH “It is greatly to be regretted that to-day the peaceful settlement of the disput between Italy and Abyssinia seems doubtful,” says the annual report of the Timaru branch of the League of Nations Union. “A feeling is growing that some modification of the constitution of the League is not only desirable but necessary to make its power more effective in preventing recourse to war. A notice of motion had been given to support the aim of the New Commonwealth movement to secure more power for the League by the establishment of an international police force, and also by providing for the compulsory reference of international disputes to an equity tribunal.” The membership stood, at present, at 184. Mr F. L. N. Tuck, who had so ably filled the gap caused by the Rev. P. Gladstone Hughes’ departure, was compelled by pressure of official duties to vacate the post of president, the Rev. Jas. Baird, 8.A., being elected. Boon after the last annual meeting the Council suffered a very serious loss by the death of Mrs B. H. Low, M.A., who had been an enthusiastic and very capable member of the council for many years. She had addressed many public meetings in all parts of New Zealand in the interests of international perse and her services to the cause have been greatly missed. The Dominion conference was held in Wellington in September when Mr F. Oxford represented the branch. “Early in the year, Dr Jas. Gibbs’s successor as Dominion president!, Rev, F. H. Wilkinson, visited Timaru and addressed the local council, and gave an able resume of the League’s efforts to ameliorate the conditions of tl c world’s affairs. Last year the branch was enabled to extend the scope of the essay competition by reason of a grant of £5 to the prize fund from the Ensom trust. The judging of the essays from the Primary and Secondary schools of Timaru was in the able hands of Miss C. B. Mills, BjA., and Mr R. Stewart, to both of whom the branch extended its appreciative thanks. The subject for the current year’s essay would shortly, be announced. During December last, by invitation, Mr R. Stewart addressed a successful and interesting meeting of the Geraldine branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, and Miss Shirtcliffe addressed meetings of St. Mary’s Mothers’ Union and St. Michael’s Guild. It is gratifying to note that the W.C.T.U. takes a very keen interest in League affairs and that their members are well represented on the Union. Although it has not bene possible to arrange for lecturers, the visits of Dr. Gordon (Ralph Connor) , who gave a very able and inspiring lecture in the Theatre Royal, and also of Dr. Kagawa more than filled our need and were fruitful in increasing public interest in the League of Nations’ Union and in international affairs. Efforts were made to secure the services of Dr. Condliffe for a local lecture during the summer, but were unsuccessful. The branch was indebted to the daily newspapers for publicity and to Mrs W. Smith for her fine work at Otipua.” At to-night’s annual meeting Mr W. •J. Scott will propose a motion the aim of which is to strengthen the present League of Nations by the compulsory reference of international disputes to an Equity Tribunal, and also that provision be made for an International Police Force.