“A BEAUTIFUL PLACE”

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 21, 28 April 1947, Page 5

“A BEAUTIFUL PLACE”

OPINION OF NEW ZEALAND

IRISH VISITOR’S TRIBUTE

An ambition of four year’s standing, to visit New Zealand, has at last become a reality for Mrs M. McMillan and her son Youell, formerly of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Mrs McMillan, a silver haired lady, is a sister of Mrs J. Patterson of Whakatane. When interviewed by a representative of the Beacon she was high in her praise of' this country but repeatedly stressed the fact that “there was no place like home.”

In her speech Mrs McMillan dif_fers from what many people would expect of a woman born and bred in Ireland. The careful pronunciation of word endings struck the writer as being very different from those usually heard in New Zealand. .In several instances local idioms, common, to Mrs McMillan but strange to the New Zealand ear, crept in adding a pleasant touch to a colourful manner of speaking.

The Journey Out

Mother and son travelled in a vessel of the austerity type. The vessel was not all that could be desired in the way of transport but nevertheless Mrs McMillan said it was worth the trouble. Her luggage survived the trip very well, the only loss being a piece of cut glass, which she valued. Mrs McMillan paid a tribute to the careful way in which her belongings were handled by the railways and the shipping companies.

Housing

New Zealand homes never failed to interest the visitor. The laboursaving devices installed in most of these called for considerable comment. New Zealand husbands appeared to consider their women folk more in this respect than was the case “at'home.” Homes were more self-contained and there were . more of the bungalow type, for which the visitor had a particular regard. The power cuts came as a surprise. During the whole of tile war power cuts were never imposed in Ireland Unless these were caused by bombing or other means. Even while _ the blackout was in force .homes had an ample supply of electricity. , Rationing Although rationing was in force in Ireland > Mrs McMillan was surprised to find it still imposed in the Dominion, even though in a very mild form. Eggs, margarine and fats were the things the visitors missed .most. It was wonderful! to be able to purchase apples and fruits of which very little were seen in Ireland. If one was able to buy half a jpound of apples in six months they were considered very lucky. Scenery Mrs McMillan had been told New .Zealand had a “burnt up” appearance but she denied that this was the case. New Zealand scenery was ‘heavenly.” In particular the trees-, shrubs and flowers impressed the visitors. The trip from Auckland, where the two landed, to Whakatane was made by service car and was considered by both as being one of the prettiest journeys they had ever made. Shops New Zealand shops were wonderfully kept. Their contents also were a delight to one used to utility ware. “China, the coloured embroidery and in particular tatting work made a big impression on Mrs McMillan. The assistants also were allotted a measure of praise for their courteous and helpful ways. /

Newspapers

The amount of reading matter contained in New Zealand papers surprised the visitors. Mrs McMillan said that she always looked forward to the arrival of the New Zealand Herald and Beacon, and drew a great deal of pleasure out of reading them.

Youell was starting out on a career in a strange country and his mother hoped he would do well. A fact of interest is his name. His real name is Samuel and had he been New Zealand born would probably be Sam. The custom in Ireland is to retain the second part of the name, spelled as above, as a nickname. Being a stranger in a strange land he was bound to experience a period of loneliness before he made friends his own age. He has started in the drapery trade, under the guidance of his uncle. Impressions

The impression New Zealand had given Mrs McMillan and Youell was a very good one. She remarked on the “hail fellow well met” policy which appeared to be general the country, or as much

as she had seen of it. Mrs McMillan and her son are shortly going to Ohope beach, to live for a short period.