EMPIRE SERVICE LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 211, 25 May 1918, Page 12

EMPIRE SERVICE LEAGUE

CLOSE 01? THE COKPEBEJiCE. The auuual conference of tho Empiro .Service League concluded yesterday morning, when.it number of interesting addresses ivuro delivered. The conference confirmed tho constitution as amended by the executive, nud also approved of plans for organisation and the raising of funds. Dr. Colquhoun (Duufidin) gave an address upon, the aims and objects of tho league, suggesting that the keynote of Empire service was conveyed in a phraso of ifr. Lloyd George, "terrible realities." We had lived our lives as if tlio t'oun-. dations of society could never bo shaken, but there had aricen a. nation which deliberatoiy laid its plans upon tho reverse ot tho axiom that righteousness exaltoth a. nation. Here we were faced with the terrible reality, besido which the troubles of politicians and tho disputes of Capital anil Labour wcro trivial. The Empire Service League was (Hitting forward in a new shape tho ideal, old as tho hills, of co-operation, friendliness, and mutual helpfulness.

A lengthy and important paper on Education, by II r. S. H. Dickinson, M.A., it St. Andrew's College, Christchurch, was read by Miss Hodge, of Woodford House, and the thanks of the conferenco were voted to the writer, whoso paper was handed to tho Literary Committee. Mr. Clins. E. Wheeler was invited to uddross the conference on the attitude <>f Labour in relation to the league's ideals. Ho described the two principal schools of thought and action in the labour world, showed how "round table" methods had worked successfully in preserving harmony in the railway service, and told of tho success of the Workers' Educational Association owing to the anxiety of working men to educate thenieelves to become good citizens. If the close co-operation of tho working classes was desired by the league, it should take hold of some important social question, and fearlessly apply its ideals to it; otherwise Labour would take up a passivo attitude towards tho organisation. A. spirited discussion followed, during which several members expressed approval of tho plea lor practical application of the league's ideals, when it was certain that unanimity of opinion could be obtained. Votes of ilinnks to tho chairman, Mr. Witherby, and others who had assisted in making the proceedings u success, wero carried with acclamation, and the chairman declared that the first conference of the league hail been exceedingly interesting and valuable.