THE NATIONAL DEFENCE LEAGUE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8545, 28 September 1907, Page 7

THE NATIONAL DEFENCE LEAGUE.

"CLAIM YOUR PRIVILEGES." \ By Telegraph —Press Association. September 26. A vigorous appeal on behalf of the principles of the National Defence League was made by its President (Mr W. B. Leyland) at to-day's ' Dominion Day celebrations. He said that that day New Zealanders generally were taking an inventory of the advantages they enjoyed, taking stock of their privileges, counting their blessings, and just at this time the Council of the National League thpught it opportune, fit. and proper that a representative of the League should make an appeal, and come to them with a message, and their message to- the people of New Zealand was thi?, "Claim your privileges, realise your advantages, count your blessings, but remember your responsibilities." "We do not come to you," he said, "as alarmists, but we ask you whether or not, bearing in mind the national and racial problems which we as a people have to face, if we as a peopie fail to respond to our responsibilities, is there not a possibility of disaster? We appeal to every section of the community; we appeal to the women of New Zealand; we ask them to say unto their mankind, 'Have you done your duty? Have you prepared yourself to render efficient personal service to the State should you be required to protect us?' Women of New Zealand, you can wield an irresistable influence. Remember your responsibility. We appeal to every true lover of peace. We say by all - means cherish and strive for your ideals, but we ask you at the same time to be practical. If you want arbitration, and not war—if right is to be might, and not might rightbe prepared to demand it. Arbitration is for the strong, not for the helpless. Be determined to have peace, even though you have to be ' prepared to fight for it. (Applause). We appeal to the Government, and we submit that in the matter they have a great responsibility. If they would be faithful to their trus 4 ; they " must lead in this matter. They should provide the means. They should make it easy for citizens to do their duty. We ask them to remember their responsibilities." (Applause).