PATRIOTIC AFFAIRS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 112, 30 May 1941, Page 5

PATRIOTIC AFFAIRS

ZONE G COMMITTEE MEETS

CHANGE IN BOUNDARIES SUGGESTED'

At a meeting of Zone G Patriotic Committee held at Whakatane yesterday tlie main business dealt with was a suggestion that the zone sa at present constituted was too cumbersome and difficult to work, and il was the wish of the Opotiki and Whakatane inter-zone representatives that representations be made to the Provincial Council that the area be divided, and two separate organisations formed. The matter was introduced by Mr Steele, of Qpotiki, who stated that because of the peculiar elongated shape of the zone which was some two hundred miles in length the area was difficult to work, and a discussion between Opotiki and Whakatane had resulted in a desire to have the district halved. Mr Steele, stated that if this was brought about travelling would be less and administration easier. The chairman, Mr L. R. Wilkinson, of Tauranga, opposed the suggestion, considering, that the organisation as at present constituted had no defects. He did not consider that if there were one, two or three zones that any improvement would ba effected as at present each interzone worked on its own initiative and used its own methods of collection. He continued that he die! not consided it necessary to meet more than twice each year as the inter-zone committee could carry on their own work. He stated that if it could be shown that better results could be obtained that all should agree with the suggestion, but he did not see where improvement 'could be effected. Mr J. Li. Burnett, of Whakatane, stated that, the committee had worked in harmony, but he felt that the introduction of two zones would be an improvement. Patriotic work would commence in earnest when the men commenced to return and then closer contact Avith districts, more meetings and easier communications would be desirable. He pointed out that the committee as constituted had failed to work properly when the evacuation of refugee children had been considered. He moved that the zone be divided so that Tauranga county and borough, Mount Maunganui and Te Puke constitute one and that the Whakatane borough and county and the Opotiki be rough and county constitute the other.

Mr Gault, of Opotiki, supported Mr Burnett's views and seconded thej motion, and it Avas decided unanimously that the motion be a rev commendation and forwarded to the Provincial Council.

Mr Wilkinson then stated thar arrangement should be made as, to the voting on the question, pointing out that Opotiki had strong representation at the meeting.

Mr Steele replied that there had been no dissentient voice and therefore it did not appear necessary. His reply drew the amused remarks from Tauranga representatives that it had not beejn worth while registering dissent, in view, of the obvious majority.