ASSISTANCE TO YOUTH

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21413, 4 March 1935, Page 11

ASSISTANCE TO YOUTH

* PRINCE'S INSPIRED APPEAL NATIONAL .THANK-OFFERING SCHEME , l/.SMTKii I'HKSS ASSOCIATION —BY ELECTRIC TKI.KOKAI'H—COPYUIC.HT.) (Received March 3, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 1. So large a gathering, including religious leaders, responded to the invitation of the Prince of Wales to consider a scheme for a national thank-offering to celebrate the King's jubilee that it filled two great rooms at St. James's Palace. The Prince, standing in the doorway and addressing both gatherings simultaneously, revealed his plan to form a King George's Jubilee Trust to assist the local extension of existing voluntary youth movements. He emphasised that millions of British people wished to express to the King their deep thankfulness for his reign. While the people were celebrating the jubilee with a diversity of local activities and ceremonies, it was also felt that the year should not be allowed to pass without a permanent thank-offering, in which the people might pour out their gratitude and loyal affection. "I can think of no call making so universal an appeal as the call of youth," said the Prince. "I ascertained that nothjng would give tiieir Majesties greater pleasure than a thank-offering devoted to the younger generation. I, in common with you, am deeply concerned with the fate of the boys and girls after they leave school until the age of 18, when they enter the unfamiliar world. At the most critical moment in their physical, moral, and mental development, they are in need of discipline, friends, and opportunity, which we can give. "More than half a million boys of ages from 14 to 18 are drifting into manhood, lacking guidance and an opening for their natural high spirits and ambitions.

"Thcre is no sadder sight in the world than aimless, dispirited youth, and nothing more heartening than to see boys and girls in organisations which ensure for them amusement and physical, mental, and spiritual fitness. It is mutual service that makes a people great, and this trust could possibly assist to develop that service. "It is proposed later to form a committee to assist in framing proposals for submission to his Majesty the King. Meanwhile we need not. await finance, but must recruit helpers for the undertaking." The Lord Mayor of London voiced the meeting's acceptance of the proposals. "A LIVING MEMORIAL" NEWSPAPERS PRAISE SCHK.ME (Received March 3, (i.3:5 p.m.) LONDON. March 2. Newspapers emphasise hie inspiring lead given by the Prince of Wales in his scheme. "The Times," in a leading article, says that it is the English way to view such an occasion not as one for the exaltation of the State or the glorification of authority, but for ensuring and developing the well-being of the youth of the country. The proposal, if thoroughly supported, will provide a living memorial of the jubilee, in the citizenship which'will be exhibited 10, 20, or 30 years ahead.

The "Telegraph" says that the Prince of Wales emphasised that he is not calling a new organisation into being. He is asking for a large national fund from which generous help can be given to organisations already promoting the welfare of youth.

JUBILEE FILM ORDERS FROM THIRTY NATIONS j (Received March 3, 11 p.m.) j LONDON, March 2. i Thirty nations have ordered the jubilee film, "The King; God Bless Him," which is being produced in Britain. Special versions are being prepared for foreign countries. The English version will be circulated throughout the Empire and the United States, and will be released on May 6.