A WELFARE LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 146, 15 March 1919, Page 6

A WELFARE LEAGUE

« The definite announcement this morning of the formation of a Now Zealand Welfare League brings under public attention a movement which ius already excited a good deal of interest in certain circles. The promoters of this movement appear to have felt, as most people must feel, that the problems which lie ahead of this Dominion will tax the ability of the best that the country can produce in the way of statesmanship and disinterested public service. Unlike most people, however, they fortunately have -not stopped at this point. They have not merely realised the need for ensuring sound, stable, and capable. government on broad and pro- ■ gressivc lines, but have set out to organise so that all who hold similar views nay be drawn together to riiake their weight and influence felt as a united force in public affairs'. No one who has realised the-unfortunate drift in political affairs in New Zealand in recent months can 'fail to appreciate the possibilities for good in an organisation designed to serve the ends outlined in the brief but comprehensive statement published this.morn-ing-setting-forth the, objects of tho League. There is not. one single plank in the platform of the new League'" which does not deserve the sympathy and support of all sano and reasonable people. The promoters have decided wisely in declining to make the League a party or a class organisation. Their chief aim at the outset should be educative.'. There is a wide field for effort in this direction at the present time, and if the League (spreads and grows as it should do under sound and energetic guidance it can render incalculable service to the country in this way alone. At the moment too little is known of the movement to attempt to forecast the part'_ it is likely' to' play in public affairs in the Dominion. It is clear, however, that those behind the League have made a good beginning, and conducted on the lines' laid down the movement should become a valuable influence in the life of the community.