START MADE IN LEVIN

Chronicle (Levin), 27 September 1947, Page 4

START MADE IN LEVIN

Fostering Of United Nations' Principles , Consequent on the recent decision to "form'a branch of the United Nations Association in Levin, dblegates froip. some 37tlocal organisations gathered in the Borough" Council Chambers on Thursday' night to formulate . the constitution of the brdnch - and elect officers 'of tlie executive 'coun^ cil. Opening the meeting, " the president' pro-tem, Mr. E. R. Winkler, outlined the proposed constitution;* The objects of the branch would be to work for. friendship and understanding between the peoplds of different* countries for their co* operation in the tasks of peace and re-monstructjon. . To " secure the acceptance and support by the people of New Zealand of the United Nations Organisation. To advocate the full development of the U.N., the International Labour Organisation and other specialised agencies brought into relationship with the U.N. so as to bring about: (a) The final prevention of war by removing its political, economic and social causes by the just and peaceful settl-ement of * international disputes, and, if necessary, by the use of collective force; (b) the safeguarding of human rights and freedoms, and the promotion of the moral* and material welfare of all peoples: (c) the building up

of an agreed code of international law applicable to all nations; (d) the fostering among the peoples of New Zealand a conception of national obligations to world inter-' ests and a sense of loyalty to the international community. The branch would be governed by an executive council consisting of a president, two vice-presidents, an honorary. secretary .and treasurer and a co'mmittee of not more than eight. It might appoint sub-com-mittees and delegate* any or all of its powers to such sub-committees. It could have power to fill any vacancies occurring in its membership. The executive council would meet at least once a quarter and it would be its duty to summon generai meetings of the branch at intervals during the year. A branch development council would be formed, which would be responsible for the dissemination of U.N. information and literature, and campaigning for membership. Rates of membership would be divided into three classes at separate rates of subscription, ' namely 5s, 7s and £1 ls, the latter being full membership entitling the subscriber to a wider variety of U.N. literature. These rates, said Mr. Winkler, were tentative but would not exceed £1 ls. Universal rates might be determined at the annual conference of the Dominion Association in 1948. Prior to the election of officers, Mr. Winkler stressed $he nqed for young leadership. The futurd was essentially that of the younger generation, he said, and they should take a hand in seeuring peace. Moving that Mr. Winkler be elected president of the branch, Mr. H. B. Burdekin said that as the prime mover in the formation of the branch in Levin, no better man could be found. Mr. Winkler had followed up his scheme in a most energetic manner and was an enthusiastic worker. The motion was earried unanimously. * Replying, Mr. Winkler thanked those present for electing him as their president. He felt deeply that something would have to be done soon to stir the people to a sense of resnonsibilitv in the work of the

United Nations. During the war untold millions had been spent. No one should begrudge a little to the one organisation which could maintain peace in the world. The United Nations. Association was well Worth support. Public opinion shduld be . roused to what the United Nations Organisation was doing, and what it would do if it received full support. He had no qualms about the success of the branch in Levin. Provision was made in the constitution for the inclusion of young people up to the age of 18 at a membership fee of ls. There were also plans to for'm junior branches in tiie schools and coileges, and he hoped that the principals of the local school and college would support this plan. Besides literature,* films would become available, and he would make sure that Levin would be well served in this respect, with the cooperation of the Levin Film Society, which had intimated that it would be pleased to assist. The organisers of the branch had made every effort to invite'all public bodies in the district to become members. If any had been overlooked, he apologised, and trusted that these, if any, would be brought to his notice. Some organisations which had not the same opportunity of disseminating information about '"U.N. had written expressing agreement with the aims of the branch, and had forwarded donations instead of becoming corporate members: He expressed gratification o'f this action. The following were elected officers of the executive council: — President: Mr. E. R. Winkler; vicepresidents: Mrs. M. S. Bartholomew arid Rev. A. Salmond; committee: Mrs. Rathbone and Miss ChapmanCohen; Messrs. R. Denton, F. D. Qhainey, C. Arcus, B. Pickering and H. Harvey, Senr.