WORK OF THE NAVY LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 162, 5 April 1921, Page 9

WORK OF THE NAVY LEAGUE

ANNUAL MEETING THE SPIRIT OF TRUE LOYALTY There was a crowded attendance of members at the annual meeting of the Wellington Navy League, which took place last evening. The Mayor, Mr. J. P. Luke, was in the chair, and among those present were: The Hon. Sir William Fraser, Colonel G. F. C. Campbell, Colonel Esson, Mr. Douglas M'Lean and Mr. J. B. Harcourt. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the Mayor said that members of the league were to be yongratulated on their splendid patriotism and the great work they had performed on behalf of the Dominion. Although the war was over, the Navy League had just as important a mission to-day as it had many years before the conflict. No navy could alone win the war, but is services -were absolutely essential to the success of any campaign. The great part played by the navy at the battle of Jutland was referred to by Mr. Luke, who enlarged on the resourcefulness and 'bravery of both the officers and the rank and file. Reverting to the Navy League, he thanked it for its co-operation with him in his capacity t as mayor. The improved financial standing of the league was also commented on by Mr. Luke. In seconding the motion, which was carried unanimously, Colonel Campbell said that in addition to educating the public it behoved the lepgue to further the propaganda aiming at making our young people loyal citizens. He "as impressed during his visit abroad by the revolutionary spirit in all countries ho bad visited- iffiere was, in a word, <i spirit a’xroid which was very serious indeed. It was for the league therefore to do its best to try and neutralise the effects of the poison. Colonel Campbell Teferre dto the wave of patriotic enthusiasm which had swept the country on the occasion of the arrival of His Excellency tlic Governor-General, Admiral Lord Jellicoe. It was for the league to see that our children were brought up in a proper spirit-of true loyalty to the Empire and the constitution. Without this spirit it was useless talking to the youth of the Dominion about the necessity fox keening the Empires sea routis open. Colonel Campbell referred to the suggestion from Home headquarters that there should be some central body in New- Zealand which would provide a channel of communication between the various branches of the league in the Dominion. This would make for greater unity of interest. Air. Douglas M'Lean, a late member of the executive in London addressed the meeting. He congratulated the W eHington kague on the dimensions it had attained, stating that their numerical strength--2000 adults and 6160 children —coiistitu.ed a record. Mr. M'Lean described the activities of the league in London, and mentioned that headquarters had been very much struck by the generosity of the league in the Dominion to the Overseas Relief Fund. Referring to the publication “The Navy,” he said that it had greatly improved of recent years, and under the altered system of distribution members were now asked to subscribe to it individually. Mr. M'Lean gave practical instances of the good educative work, carried on by the league at Home. Tn - one case recalcitrant miners had, by dint of the direct representations of the league, been persuded to turn to again and mine coal for the Navy. This was during the war. On behalf of the executive in the Old Country he desired to express his appreciation of the success attendant on the activities of the league in New Zealand. (Applause.) A vote of thanks was accorded Mr. M'Lean for his address. His Excellency the Governor-General, Admiral Lord ~ Jellicoe, was elected patron; /Other officers were elected as follow-:—President, Mr. J. P. Firth; vice-presidents, The, Prime Minister (Right Hon. TV. F. Massey); Sir Joseph Ward, Sir William Fraser, Sir John Findlay, Sir Walter Buchanan, Sir Robert’ Stout, Colonel Roberts, Hon. A. M. Myers, Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, M.L.C., Messrs. T. W. Wilford. M.P., J. Harcourt, G. SliirtlcT.i'ffe, Hemingway, J. G. Harkness, C. W. Palmer, and C. Strouts; executive, Colonel Campbell (chairman), Colonel Roberik (vicechairman), Mesdames Hosking, Darling, Richardson, Bradner-Williams, Miss Edwin. Captain Chndley, Messrs. A. F. Wiren, I. Duncan. E. Hunt, C. W. Palmer. B. Keesing. S. Underwood, A. Ho 1 - lis, C. Finch, W. H. Foster, R. Darroeh, W. E. A. Gill, J. Crawford, C. H. Miriams; hon. treasurer, Air. A. F. Wlren; hon secretary, Air. R. Darroeh; bon. lanternist. Mr, Milne; hon. auditors, Messrs. Gold and Arcus. Mr. Darroeh urged the e’aims of the league for greater numerical 'support among the citizens of Welling’lon. and paid a tribute to the work accomplished by the ladv members.

Captain Chudley drew attention tn the snlendid work done by the lady members of ‘’he leatme in entertaining mercantile cadets. At hi* suggestion it was decided to write to the various overseas shipping companies soliciting financial support towards tli's particular sphere of the league’s work. Tim mooring olocorl, with the singing of the National Anthem.