THE ZIONIST MOVEMENT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3573, 8 September 1920, Page 3

THE ZIONIST MOVEMENT.

MEETING IN WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON. Sept. (j. Mr. Israel Cohen, 8.A., who. is visiting New Zealand on behalf of the Zionist movement, explained its aims to a (large public meeting' last night at which the Mayor presided and the Prime Minister, Mr. Massey, and Sir Robert Stout were present. Sir Robert Stout, while applauding the desire of the Jews to reoccupy Palestine, doubted whether many would go from a land like New Zealand. Mr. Massey agreed with this. He alluded to Jews who had been prominent in politics, like Disraeli and Vogel. Both the Premier and Mir. Wright, M.P., dwelt, on the fulfilment of the Spiritual prophecy by irecent events. Mr. Cohen said Great Britain had recognised the moral and historic right of the Jews to Palestine, and intended to help them to return. Mr. Balfour’s declaration had come as a message of hope to the Jews, and it was now in British hands, by which this scrap of paper would be honoured. It was also to Britain’s interest that the country should be developed. At present theie was difficulty an that there were half a million Arabs and only eighty thousand Jews. The former protested against Jewish rule, but in fact i twould be British rule. The Zionist organisation hoped in twelve months to put thirty thousand settlers on the land and sixtythousand in the next 'twelve months. This would only be possible if financial! resources were available. A serious reason for pressing on the work was the terrible suffering of Jews in Central Europe ro-day. Mr. Cohen, who was given a vote of thanks, informed the audience that he had already in a day or; two raised five thousand pounds in Wellington.