N.Z. TELLS AMERICA
“KIWI GAL” INDIGNANT NOT A SYDNEY SUBURB In this article from an American newspaper a New Zealand girl now living in the United States protests at the incorporation of her native land with Australia by well-mean-ing but geographically ignorant Americans. The newspaper published it under the heading: “A Kiwi Gal Sets Us Straight; She’s Not an Aussie.” I am a New Zealander, and after two and a half years in America have become more or less meekly resigned to being regarded as an Australian. My tentative protests at this classification have been loftily brushed aside with “Oh, well—it’s the same thing!” However, the worm turns .. . Under the heading of “Child Endowment” in a recent issue, you airily hand over the Kiwi, lock, stock and barrel, to the Aussies. Sir, you all but take away my birthright! Not only does the name “Kiwi” represent a native New Zealand bird, but also the New Zealander himself. As the Australians are nicknamed “Aussies” so are the New Zealanders dubbed “Kiwis.”
even become accustomed to the mild disappointment of the more enlightened folks (who know that New Zealand is not a suburb of Sydney) that I wear neither a ring through my nose nor a grass skirt. However, be that as it may, our Chamber of Commerce apparently being asleep, there are a few pointers I would like to hand out to your readers who might be interested.
Although New Zealand is but 1200 miles by sea from Australia, it is vastly different in climate, flora and fauna. Also the Australian aborigine and the New Zealand Maori have no similarity of race, appearance, language or custom. Different Accents Australians and New Zealanders even have a different “accent.” New Zealand’s social legislation is about 10 years ahead of Australia’s. Our first step towards the legislation under discussion in your column was established in 1927. A successful form of “socialised” medicine has been in practice in New Zealand for about seven years —and the doctors like it!
For at least 15 years, complete .free) dental care for children up o’ 14 years has been in effect.
New Zealand maintains a free ambulance system. There are no private and costly ambulances.
Free infant care and advice up to nve years. It should be noted here that the word “free” bears no stigma m New Zealand as it appears to here. Mrs Moneybags takes it, too, for it s always the best. Education University education requires only payment for one’s books and eligibility depends upon one’s proficiency in passing the entrance examinalon~fot father’s political influence or affluence. Something which most Americans do not know that the N.Z. in Anzac stands for Australia (and) New Zealand Army Corps.
New Zealand, during the war maintained a Royal New Zealand Navy, a Royal New Zealand Air Force, and two troops divisions— M-ai 11 Padfic and one in the Middle East. Also women from 18 to 40 years of age were mobilised tor national service. New Zealanders average the longest life expectancy in the world also the lowest infant mortality rate! Another thing about New Zealand which I didn’t appreciate before is that we don’t have anv snakes. After all, perhaps I should add—(in all modesty) New Zealand is not perfect.
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 37, 14 October 1946, Page 7
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542N.Z. TELLS AMERICA Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 37, 14 October 1946, Page 7
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