DEFENCE LEAGUE

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 100, 21 October 1938, Page 2

DEFENCE LEAGUE

PROPOSAL NOT FAVOURED Gl-SBORNH COUNCIL’S VIEWS “EVERYTHING BEING DONE” Tiie Gisborne Borough Council decided on Tuesday night that it could not undertake tlie formation ot a defence league in Gisborne, as advocated by the New Zealand Defence League (says the P.B. Herald). A circular from the organiser was read at the previous council meeting, when it was decided to defer consideration of the request until J uesday night’s meeting. When the circular was read oil Tuesday night, the Mayor, Mr. D. V . Coleman. M.P., said he would not have time to undertake the organisation work necessary tor the tormatiou of a league in Gisborne. Mr. Coleman added that he had had a conversation with the Minister of Defence, the Hon- F. Jones, who had given an assurance that everything was being done for the defence of the country. The Mayor' added that lie was propared to meet the organiser of the league, should lie visit Gisborne, but was not in a position to do any et the spade work suggested. Or. FI. Harris said he thought the Government was tackling the matter in the' right way. and he did not think that the council should “touch this thing at all.” The men at the head of affairs were better posted with the needs of defence than the public, ami lie did not consider the council should take the. matter up.

The Mayor moved that the council reply to the organiser that it would not lie able to undertake the project, hut that the Mayor would meet the organiser ii' lie came to Gisborne.