CORRESPONDENCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8207, 3 August 1915, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE

THE AIRSHIP FUND.

To the EniTon " Guardian."

Sir,—After hearing all the varied excuses for not subscribing to the air fleet funds, one is inclined to think that the majority of people prefer to go on suffering and paying 2s 6d for a cure rather than 6d for a preventative. But the real trouble seems to be that a millionaire did not start the ball rolling. We have been at some pains and expense' to start this thing, and I am prepared to do a lot more to make it a success. No doubt, as some one suggested, the proper thing for a poolinsignificant creature like me to do would be to go to his Worship the Mayor and ask him to start the concern. But that is not my way. 1 prefer to aim dead at the bull's eye rather than bend 1 the barrel of my gun to -shoot round corners. But lam not looking for either honours or shekels. I know only too well . the terrible meaning of the word "War," and if | any influential gentleman will take up j the matter in dead earnest and give j a hand to check the awful slaughter that is going, on every hour of the day and night, : I shall be very pleased to. take a back; seat and support him all I know how. The excuse that the Government ought to ■ take the matter up and send the machine that was presented to New "Zealand by the Home people is no excuse. That machine appeared to be only good for instructional purposes, and may already be doing good work. The excuse that we only have the word of a newspaper paragraph for starting this thing and that it ought to be officially declared possible is no excuse. Officials, move as a result of public opinion. The Government accepts machines from other places and even from an independent institution, and there is no reason whatever why it should not be very pleased to accept a machine from the people of Ashburton town and county. Ashburton brains and money are as good and powerful as any other district's brains and money, and we are not worthiy of our town and district if we always wait for outsiders to lead us in and out of anything. Lastly, I wish to ...thank you of the "Guardian" and Mr Ferriman for taking up this matter, ! and the interest and hearty support you have already given, and which I sincerely hope you will continue to give. Enclosed please find another small donation from self 2s 6d, W.D.B. 2s 6d, Private. G. McQuilken, 2s 6d, Thomas Brothers £1, H. R. McElrea 10s 6d, Mont. Baker ss, E. Maybury 2s 6d; riiore to follow. SINBAD MARK 11. Ashburton, July 30, 1915.

[These amounts ha,ve already been acknowledged.—Ed. "Guardian."]