PLEDGED TO PEACE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 521, 2 August 1932, Page 4

PLEDGED TO PEACE.

Resolution by Christchurch . R.S.A. WAR' ANNIVERSARY DECISION. A pledge that it will work for the interests of peace and goodwill was taken by the executive of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers’ Association at its meeting last night to mark the occasion of the eighteenth anniversary of Great Britain’s declaration of war against Germany. The Rev F. T. Read, who introduced the discussion, said that he was “convinced that there was nothing else that the British Government could do in 1914 than redeem its pledge to Belgium and declare war on Germany, but with the passing of the years there had been full realisation of the awful tragedy of war. They had seen the awful after-effects of the war and the terrible problems which it had brought to the world. He felt that the association should not let this week pass without giving some expression of opinion. He moved: “That on the eighteenth anniversary of the declaration of war this executive of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers’ Association, in view of the distress which we believe is part of the aftermath of the war, pledges itself to work for the interests of peace and goodwill.” “ We returned soldiers, each according to his ability and opportunity, played our part during those four years,” Mr Read continued. Just as they had answered the call then they must feel that to-day there was a clarion call to all citizens to do their best in the interests of goodwill, both internationally and locally.

Mr W. E. Leadlev congratulated Mr Read on bringing the motion forward. He believed that every returned soldier would have sympathy with the sentiments that it contained. Not only was the question of war debts affecting the people to-day, but ever since the war the association had had to assist war wrecks—men who gradually broke down in health as a result of their war service. One good thing that came out of the war was the spirit of brotherhood and friendship which was finding full expression to-day. The president (Mr H. Fleck) supported the motion. He said that the association could foster goodwill and he urged the need for an increase in its membership*. The motion was carried unanimous-