COMMUNAL COLONY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22223, 25 September 1935, Page 16

COMMUNAL COLONY

LITTLE BAND IN CANADA "LIVING WITHIN OURSELVES" In a co-operative colour on the shore of the Belle River in Prince Edward Island, Canada, a little band known as "Comptonites" claim to hare solved the problems of a complex society by living within themselves. The colony was founded in 1909 by Mr. Ben Compton, a descendant of an old Canadian family. Its members make no effort to secure conrerts, and they ask but to be left alone. The Comptonites oivn all goods in common and use no money in dealings among themselves. They operate farms and lumber mills, and the money received from tho sale of their products goes into the purchase of goods they cannot make for themselves. These are distributed through the colony store, on request, without price. "We ask for the things we need, no more, and these are given to us gladly," said one member. "We do" not abuse the system." When two young people of the colony decide to marry all lend a hand in the erection of a home for them, and it is fully equipped from the communal stores. Then the couple aro expected to till the soil, to work in the mills, and add to the community chest the fruits of their labours. In its limited field the system seems to bo bringing contentment and harmony to the little group.