THE SOUTH ISLAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22268, 22 May 1934, Page 9

THE SOUTH ISLAND

SEPARATIST MOVEMENT. A CHRISTCHURCH CIRCULAR (Peb United. Press Association.). < :•: BLENHEIM, May 21.; A copy of a sensational circular, apparently being broadcast-throughout the South Island, has been received by the Marlborough - Express from a body styling itself "The Christchurch Executive Central Depot of the South Island Separate .Government Movement."-: ..'.. The document- seta, out: that - South Islanders feel that they have been neglected for a long period of years by the. Government, and states that, failing redress of .its demands, it is proposed to petition the King, to. establish a separate South Island Government. The demands include abolition of the alleged exploitation of the South Island in price fixation and commodities; equal representation in Parliament on the basis of area instead of population;, return of the half-million belonging to the South Island Highways Fund "borrowed " by the Finance Minister in 1928; direct shipping and /mail services; the construction of canals where -required as at Christchurch; the .completion of the whole pf. the .South Island railways at present under construction; the abolition of boards and commissions haul of the public service; abolition of the Order-in-Council system j the right of recall of.;members of: the House of Representatives; and the .restoration of wages cuts. .'.•„'.