EMPIRE SERVICE LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3072, 7 May 1917, Page 6

EMPIRE SERVICE LEAGUE

'A NEW ORGANISATION T

AND A NATIONAL CRUSADE

A new organisation which promises to become a powerful influence on public opinioii in tho Dominion has recently comii into existence. It is styled tho Umpire Service League, and what it stands for may bo gathered from the following extracts from & circular just issued: — "Tho object of this league is to support and extend the practice of those principles', which, while they form tho basis of civilised society and good Government, and are accepted, generally by all civilised communities find Mli» gions, still are' not as earnestly roilowed in our daily life and in the -present crisis, as they should he. These principles include: — "1. To unite more thoroughly for the defence of tho Empire, and for tho extension of the freedom wo have inherited. "2. To extend our porsonal sympathy and active support to all reasonable efforts to improve the moral and material conditions of life in this Dominion. "3. To promote tho closer and more earnest exercise of sympathy and mutual trust between employers and' employed, and a better understanding of each other's aims and aspirations. "4. To discourage wasto arising from extravagance in living and recreation among all classes. "5. And, abovo all, to fulfil our most urgent and sacred duty by ensuring that thoso who aro now giving their services and risking their lives for us at tho front shall bo properly supported in tho present crisis, and shall not he sacrir iiccd or abandoned through those of us who remain hero in safety, selfishly occupying ourselves in promoting our own interests or pleasures, forgetful of our duty. "Tho war which is devastating the world has shown tho -urgent need for educating ourselves to exercise more active personal sympathy and service to one another. At present it is above all things ossontial that those living in safety in .New Zealand, should do tneir duty towards thoso who aro engaged in far more arduous and noble duties at tho front. '■'livery man and woman who agrees with these sentiments can assist in furthering them in some way. The Churches, the" schools, and! the Press have exceptional opportunities. Leaders of industrial unions, members of public bodies, private employers of labour and men of business have opportunities for special influence; hut without the willing and sincere cooperation of all citizens, irrespective of position, no great improvement can he 'attained.

"Branches of this league- irill .be formed in various centres throughout the Dominion to give effect to_these views. It is not intended that these branches bo mere debating societies, but each of thorn should form a committee to circulate the pamphlet 'What Freedom Moans,' and other suitable literature, and, in addition, to issue forms for signature by citizons of every class and occupation, pledging themselves to join and'support the Empire Service League. "The movement being entirely a voluntary one, it is not proposed to have a membership fee. The small expense incurred in its furtherance will bo mot by voluntary contributions from mombors, which 'will bo duly acknowledged by the lion, treasurer. "It is believed that many thousands of people appreciating the spirit of this movomont will readily sign the form.of membership, ■ and that widespread active co-operation will thereby be ensured."

The Hon. J. G. W. Aitkcn has accepted tho office of president of the Wellington branch of the league, Mr. James Macintosh (of Messrs. Wright, Stephenson and Co.) that of hon. trea-" surer,. Captain do R. Barclay that of hon. secretary, while tho hon. general secretary for tho Dominion is Mr. Pcrcivaf Withcrby, of Napier. ' Citizens of both sexes are now being invited to enrol themselves as members of tho league and to wear tho league's badge, which indicates that the wearer practises the principles set out above. Already the movement has mot with a great deal of support, us tho result of the circulation of the paniDhlet "What Freedom Means.'?