CITIZENSHIP

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 35, 10 August 1936, Page 11

CITIZENSHIP

DUTIES AND IDEALS

ADDRESS BY MR. SEMPLE

An inspiring address on the ideals and duties of citizenship was given on Saturday night by the Hon. R. Semple, M.P., at the "Father and Son" banquet held in celebration of the seventieth year of the existence of the V.M.C.A. "I know," he said, "the value of the work that this association has done in the past, and I confidently hope and expect that it will continue to make its contribution to the physical and mental education of the children of this country. The basis of citizenship is undoubtedly character; without it a boy is hurled willy-nilly through life without having any de-

finite control over his own existence. Self-reliance is 'what counts." Determination and courage were necessary for success in life, and, above all, Christian principles. He was glad, he said, that the association laid such stress on the inculcation of the beliefs, principles;, and practices o£ the Christian religion, for these were the basis o£ citizenship and the foundation of a fuli life. He urged his hearers never to be dismayed by disappointment, discouragement, or failure. Among his listeners, he said, there might well be future Prime Ministers of the country. There was no reason, he declared, why there should not be; all that was needed was determination.

In welcoming Mr. Semple. the president of the association, Mr. R. H. Nimmo, expressed the pleasure of the V.M.C.A. at having a man to speak to them who had such a keen interest in the welfare of young men.

"Mr. Semple," he said, "when giving advice to young men along these' lines, spoke from experience. He began work at the age of nine, and his tenacity and courage had enabled him to reach Cabinet rank. It was most encouraging to the association to see the great interest Mr. Semple was taking in the social welfare of the men under his control in the Public Works construction camps, particularly in view of the large number of younger men employed in these camps. For many years the V.M.C.A., under the direction and control of the national council, had co-operated with the Public Works Department in carrying on V.M.C.A. activities for the men and their families on the jobs. The V.M.C.A. was established at Waitaki hydro-electrical camp at the very outset. It was the first building to be erected, and it carried on during the whole period of construction, rendering very fine service under the leadership of Mr. R. J. Jeffs. With Mr. Semple as Minister of Public Works, the social work was being continued and intensified.

Opportunities for self-improvement were being given to young men in isolated camps. Small selected technical libraries were to be made available so that the young men who wished could render more efficient service and understand what they were doing and why they were doing it.

The opportunity was taken to make a presentation to Mr. H. J. Steploe, who had resigned from the association after many years' service.

Items were given by the Wellington Technical College Orchestra and by Mr. J. Hanna, and choruses were led by Mr. W. J. Mason.