PROGRESS LEAGUE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17859, 3 August 1918, Page 12

PROGRESS LEAGUE.

DEPUTATION VISITS ASHBURTON A deputation, from Christchurch, representing the Canterbury Progress League, met members of the Ashburton County Council and Ash burton Borough Council yesterday afternoon to explain the objects and aims of the league and to ask for a contribution towards the funds. Addresses were delivered by the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr H. Holland) and Messrs H. D. Acland, L. Birks and P. R. C'limie, who stated the objects of the league and tho benefits which could be obtained by presenting a united front on any matter. The league was not formed only for the purpose of advancing the interests of tho large towns and cities, hut also for the benefit) of smaller towns and country districts. The deputation asked for a contribution towards tho funds and if at the end of the first year the league had not justified its existence further financial support need not be green. They wanted a guaranteed fiini to start with so that all financial outgoings could be met. The basis on which the various districts was asked to contribute was 6d»in each £IOOO of capital value, which would make the Ashburton district's contribution £214 10s. Tho chairman (Mr J. Cairns) said the members of the deputation, ho was pleased to state, had removed from his mind an erroneous impression, as after lie came .away from a meeting he had attended in Christchurch as the Ashburton County Council's representative ho had the idea the league was for'the purpose of promoting the industrial prosperity of Christchurch and not for the smaller towns and outlying districts as well. Mr Holland, in thanking the members of the County and Borough Council for meeting the deputation, said he would be pleased to supply any information possible on any matters in connection with the league's objects. The deputation then retired. It was decided to hold over further consideration of the matter till the next meeting of the council.