THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. FRIDAY. JUNE 27, 1924. YOUNG CITIZENS’ LEAGUE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4717, 27 June 1924, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. FRIDAY. JUNE 27, 1924. YOUNG CITIZENS’ LEAGUE.

Alien Mr E. C. Cutten, S.M., Auckland Provincial President oi the Young Citizens’ League, was in paeroa in November last the public decided to form a branch of the league in the town, but for various reasons no further action was taken until Monday last, when His Worship the Mayor, Mr W. Marshall, at the invitation of the committee, addressed the pupils of the Paeroa District High School. The objects of the league were explained, following which enrolment forms were handed to a number of the senior scholars to till in after obtaining their parents’ consent. There has been a rapid .spread of the movement throughout New Zealand, and an active branch has been formed at Karangahake, and the prospects of one being formed in Paeroa at an early date seems to be assured, There can be no doubt as to the desirability of such an institution, and its influences can only be for good, when it is remembered that the object of the organisation is for the development of character on broad national lines through various mental and physical activities ; the encouragement of the young to aspire to the ideals of good citizenship; to increase the interest of parents and guardians in the important matter of home influences ; closer and more systematic co-opera-tion with school teachers and others engaged in promoting the future wellbeing of the young; and to co-operate with leagues formed in other parts of the Dominion m the promotion of the aforementioned objects. The general policy of the League is designed tp foster the highest ideals of manhood and womanhood; and to encourage a true reverence for God. Its policy is non-sectarian, non-political, and non-class. It should not be necessary to emphasise the need for the inculcation in the young of the broad .spirit of reverence for good. There are unmistakable signs of unrest all over the world, and the major trouble is said to be due to the fact that«modern ways, to a large extent, have destroyed home life. The young child is not taught by precept alone ; it i« taught more by example. It is during the early years of life that the foundation of a good moral training is formed. During that time the impulse to do right is created. The influence of the school, no matter how good it may be, will never take the place of home training. Without that training, when young people go out into the world they are liable to fall into every temptation that comes their way. Society is kept stable by the public opinion of the great majority

of respectable citizens. The development of the highest ideals of citizenship can only be effected through the education of the young people, and the Young Citizens’ League is putting before the way in which this important end may be achieved. The way to success in the work lies in having the full support of the responsible members of the community, and it, is hoped that now the opportunity presents itself again to the public of Paeroa and district full support to the movement will oe unhesitatingly given.