PATRIOTIC ZONE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 246, 28 July 1943, Page 2

PATRIOTIC ZONE.

THE QUESTION OF SEPARATION. DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS FUNDS. Application that the Ashburton Patriotic Zone Committee support its request to have the Borough and County declared two separate zones for patriotic purposes has been made by the Ashburton Patriotic Committee. It was pointed out in a letter received by the zone committee yesterday that in the past practical difficulties prevented the Borough and County working together. Although there was only one zone in actual practice they were working independently. Also, it was felt that any surplus raised in the Borough might bn used to make up a possible deficiency in tho County. This would amount to a breach of faith with the Borough contributors, who gave their money on the understanding that it went to help the Borough’s quota. “It is regrettable that in the fourth year of the war wo have reached the position where wo are pulling in different directions,” said Mr C. A. Campion. “There is a feeling of mutual distrust between the two bodies which a little goodwill would remove. In the first year of operations the Borough was a little behind with its quota, and the County was afraid it: might have to make up the deficiency. Next year the position was reversed. Co-operation lias been lacking on occasions but there are matters on which the two bodies should be big enough to agree to differ.” Already Working Apart. Mr H. G. Ferrier said the Borough committee did not want to pull asunder. It was already working apart. It was not a matter of distrust, the fear regarding the disposal of surplus funds being expressed in the committee’s letter. One big .argument in favour of separate zones was that the Borough committee had a system of collections from business and residential areas of the town. Those contributors believed they were helping to raise tho Borough's quota. It would not be fair to the contributors if they were told that a part, of their subscriptions might go to help the County. Agreement with Mr Campion was expressed by Mr H. G. Crothers, who suggested that the position remain as at present until the end of September, when it could bo reviewed. It- was not the intention of the County to lay claim to any Borough surplus to fill any possible deficiency on the part of the County.

Dr. J. Connor, who presided, pointed out that the application for separate zones as from the beginning of the next financial year was requested.

“It seems to me that the whole reason why the Borough committee wants a separate zone is because of the finance,” said Mr G. Kelly. “Would it not solve tho problem if instead of having separate zones we have separate quotas. By this means the committee will attain their object.”.

Mr Ferrier agreed that if the Canterbury Provincial Patriotic Council would agree to such a step it would go a long way toward satisfying the Borough committee. Agreement with Mr Kelly’s suggestion was expressed by Mr Campion, who stressed the difficulties which would be encountered in connection with rehabilitation if there were separate zones.

It was decided that Mr Kelly’s suggestion be referred back to the Borough Committee with the information that tho Zone committee would support it. If, however, the Borough committee insisted on pressing for a separate zone, tho Zone committee would forward the request to the proper authorities, but would not support it.