THE N.Z. LEGION.

Waipawa Mail, Volume LIV, Issue 85, 7 April 1933, Page 3

THE N.Z. LEGION.

TO RE MODEL PARLIAMENT. ambitious programme. WELLINGTON, Last night. A statement issued by the National Connell of the New Zealand Legion declares that the primary aim of the le<non is to secure the forms of government, both local and general, best suited to the needs of the Dominion. “The Legion,” says the statement/ “will provide machinery whereby representations can be made and considered from the national viewpoint. The practice of approaching Ministers and members of Parliament in regard to these matters has proved pernicious and ineffective and must be discontinued. All legion members are pledged not to exercise improper pressure on Ministers or members in any sectional, parochial or party interests by deputation or other means. “The legion will further devote its energies to stemming the demoralising drift towards dependence on State aid in lieu of individual effort and private enterprise. ” behind closed doors. ATTENDANCE BY INVITATION. In the course of a political address delivered in the Municipal Theatre, Waipukurau, last evening, Mr H. M. Christie referred briefly to the formation of a branch of the legion in this district. “It seems to me,” said Mr Christie, “to he a hind of Mustard Club. Nobody knows what it is about, but I think it is the same old trick: you pay a shilling and get a badge or something, and then you place it in front of someone else.” He said that the legion claimed that it aimed at the amalgamation of all political opinion. He implied that such was not the case, stating that its meetings were held in private houses and attendance was only by invitation, supporters of other parties not being invited. He predicted that in a very short time this party would be coming up with a policy. He described the scheme as being foreign and not British and said that the only place for politics was on the platform in front of the public and not behind closed doors. He said that the party was composed of Reformers. It was a mixture of the present Coalition Party, Reform supporters and others. “These are the people who are going to bring out a leader—the party which will set the whole of New Zealand on its feet. If the party gets control its policy will he clearly one of control and centralisation and will not help the country at all,” he declared.

He also spoke against the centralisation of local bodies, saying that it would be impossible to handle local affairs any cheaper than was being done by local bodies. The present system of local body government, he maintained, was second to none. In conclusion Mr Christie said that the present system of government was still the best, but the fault lay with the men who were sent to Parliament.