MORE SUMMIT ROAD TROUBLES FOR MR ELL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18544, 18 August 1928, Page 2

MORE SUMMIT ROAD TROUBLES FOR MR ELL.

To the Editor. Dear Sir,—“Thank you for your letter and kind wishes, which I was very glad to get, and which I heartily reciprocate.” f In these words did Colonel Studholme confluence a long farewell letter, which I received from him last evening. But I soon found that they were only a prelude to information which he had to give me of more trouble and difficulty. “I hate (he said) to say a word of discouragement when I well know how courageous]}' and strenuously you have been, and still are, battling away almost single-handed to ensure the work being carried on as you think it ought to be carried on. and I sincerely hope you will succeed, but the odds are heavy against you.” I have frequently been told by Mr W. G. Jamieson that I worry myself needlessly, that I have no enemies, that everybody is with me. and appreciates what I have done. Well, I commend the following extract from Colonel Studholme’s letter to Mr Jamieson and ,others who have spoken likewise to me. “The main difficulty which both you and the board have to contend against is that a large proportion of the small number who are able and are prepared under certain conditions to give material financial help, have made up their minds that they will do or give nothing so long as you have any official share in the administration of the trust. 1 am also told that Jhe four Christchurch papers have also jointly agreed among themselves to take up the same position. As regards the truth of this second statement I am not certain, but have good authority for thinking it is correct. It may be that if the board decides to make a strong appeal individually to that section of the public who are able to help, and if all the members of the board will personally convass for subscribing members that enough may be* raised to make the present secure. ti» spite of the determination I have mentioned above. This is the policy, I will suggest to H)v brother and Mr Bowen, and this is the policy I would propose were I remaining on as chairman."

With respect to the information given to Colonel Studholme that the four Christchurch papers had combined to refuse me any help, I waited upon the official representatives of each Qgiper. and the}* all assured me that the statement was absolutely without any foundation. Not many men would have had the moral courage and the spirit of fair play to let me know what was being said so that I might protect myself. and I thank Colonel Studholme for giving me the information. Will the people who have said that they will not do or give anything so long as I am a membei of the Board of Trustees make themselves known to me personally, either by letter to Box 659. Christchurch, or telephone 3537 W. This fact I know, that they don't number many, for my supporters of twenty-five years ago are still my supporters and friends. I will not bring them into this contest, but I will have great pleasure in submitting to you a list of the names of the citizens who have given me friendly support in words of encouragement, and material help, from almost the inception of this work to the present day. Only last week I received a cheque for £25 from one of these gentlemen, which I paid into the Bank of New Zealand in reduction of the overdraft. Upon the roll of subscribers which I am now writing up for funds to make secure the Sign of the Takahe and Takahe Reserves—a magnificent public asset to the people of Christchurch—one gentleman has offered to hand in the title deeds of the section he has purchased, another gentleman is keeping up the payments on another section. He told me this the other day. of his own volition. On the list referred to I have thirty-eight names of annual subscribers, one for £25 for five years, a number at 10? and £1 Is. and one for £lO accompanied by a very kind letter. The unkind treatment referred to in Colonel Studholme’s letter is both disheartening and discouraging. It will serve no good purpose for me to state my position this day. My mind at present is filled with worry on account of the burden of financial responsibility which I am carrying, and must continue to carry, and which I must carry if the work is to advance. I am determined that it shall advance, and am pleased to tell the public in conclusion that it is advancing, not in a shadowy form, but in a solid, lasting asset for the common good of the people of Christchurch and North Canterbury.—l am, etc., H. G. ELL. Summit Road, August 17.