REAL PATRIOTISM

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2294, 30 October 1914, Page 3

REAL PATRIOTISM

HELP FOR THE SUFFERING A CITY ARMY ADVOCATED At the Central Chamber of Commerce last ovening, a meeting was held for the purpose of forming a Patriotic Society for the special ,and particular purpose of lending-practical aid to those women and children, of Britain and her Allies who have suffered by the war. Mr. Hector M : Leod was voted to the chair. Mr. Lewis said that the meeting had been called on account of several letters having been received in Liverpool, London, and other ports, narrating the dreadful atrocities which have been committed by the Germans, not only on men and women, but also on little children. One letter received from Liverpool related how that one gentleman had adopted a little girl whose hands had been cut off, and part of her nose sliced off. He urged that everyone should help to their uttermost now, not only on benalf of the Belgian children, but on behalf of the Empire, which touched New Zealand... The chairman said that the work of such a society usually centred in a committee who after the society was started would call a big public meeting. The objects of the society were, said Mr. M'Leod: (1) To constitute a body to be called tho New Zealand Patriotic Society. (2) To foster sound' patriotism in all its phases throughout the Dominion. (3) To provide a medium for expressing public opinion on patriotio subjects." (4) To co-operate with other bodies having similar objects. (6) To assist State, civic, and publio effort in connection with patriotio and relief funds. (6) Generally to advance the interests of the Bntish Empire on the lines of right, truth, honour, justice, and consideration for other nations. Mr. F. Brown proposed that the society be formed, and in doing so gave horrifying details of the atrocities that are being committed on children. The motion was second by Mr. J. Griffen, and after some discussion the objects were generally approved and adopted. ■ It was decided that the annual subscription to the'society bo Is. per annum. Tho ladies and gentlemen present were constituted a committee to draft a set of rules for tho/guidance of the society. , . Treatment of Enemy People. Mr. Griffen moved: "That this meeting _ suggest to the Government that similar legislative power to that being secured by the Commonwealth for dealing with aliens be secured for New Zealand." Mr. F. Brown seconded the motion. He thought it was about- time something was done in the. matter.

A resolution that was left over for the consideration of a larger meeting was as follows: "That this meeting is in accord with the stricter measures which it is understood are being adopted in connection with unnaturaliscd members of nations which are at war with the British Empire." Other resolutions carried were: "That this meeting considers that a comprehensive report upon the employment of naturalised and unnaturalised members of other* nations in the civil, civic, and allied services of the. Dominion should be secured, and that action bo taken upon the report." . "A Fool's Paradise." Another ' resolution, ' passod was: "That this meeting appoint a committee to ascertain what provision against, attack has. been made. by. the. officers responsible for ' the defence of this city." In moving this motion, Mr. F. Brown said that, in his' opinion there should , be, another force outside the Territorials altogether. There .were hundreds of men like himself, married men with children, who were ready and willing to be taught .the use of up-to-date aims. A sub-committee to make the inquiries embodied in the above resolution was appointed. I ; Mr. Lewis was appointed interim secretary. Mr. Pearson said that he knew of people who were prepared to ■ take in refugees, ' and moved: "That this meeting is of opinion that the New Zealand Government should arrange to offer homes to the dependents (women and children) of the British and their Allies, and that the Government be requested to invite offers from the public to take in such sufferers, and that the secretary be empowered to receive names of people willing to offer to take such sufferers." < A copy of the resolution is to be sent to the Prime Minister.