PROGRESS LEAGUE DEFENDED

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27612, 19 March 1955, Page 2

PROGRESS LEAGUE DEFENDED

DENIAL OF POLITICAL AFFILIATION

A statement made by Cr. J. G. Barclay at the meeting of the Halswell County Council on Thursday evening to the effect that the Canterbury Progress League was only an offshoot of the National Party, was denied by the president of the league (Mr E. C. Bathurst, Ashburton) yesterday.

“I say the league is absolutely nonpolitical and it has never done anything savouring of party politics,” said Mr Bathurst. “There are members of the league of differing political opinions. Politics never intrude on our discussions.”

ASHBURTON COUNTY NOT TO CONTRIBUTE

A suggestion that the council might reconsider its decision not to contribute to the Canterbury Progress League was made by Cr. J. Davidson at the meeting of the Ashburton County Council yesterday. He said he thought the league was now doing good work and was possibly worthy of some support. He had been largely responsible for the council cutting out its contribution. He suggested that the council consider a grant of £25. “I was very disappointed indeed when I attended the league’s meetings,” said Cr. M. D. McDowell. He said he had been the last representative of the council on the league and attended three meetings. In addition to the league there were the South Island Local Bodies’ Association, South Island Publicity Association, New Zealand Counties Association and Chamber of Commerce. “We are liable to get overloaded with these bodies,” said Cr. McDowell.

a here was no further discussion and the council adopted a recommendation from its finance and reserves committee that the council adhere to its policy not to contribute to the league.