BRIEF, BUSY STAY IN AUSTRALIA ON WAY TO ENGLAND

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 94, 13 September 1948, Page 4

BRIEF, BUSY STAY IN AUSTRALIA ON WAY TO ENGLAND

Mr Sullivan Air Mails Impressions Short though his stay in Aus- , tralia was, Mr W. Sullivan M.P., on his way to the Empire Parliamentary Conference filled ICS time, as is his wont, with j and keen observation. Before he ■ left Fremantle on September 1 « for Colombo, he found time to air mail these few diary notes to the Beacon:— “Leaving Auckland on August 18 on Sandringham Flying Boat at 8 a.m., reached Rose Bay, Sydney, at 5.30 p.m. New Zealand time. While in Sydney visited N.Z. House and attended a Parliamentary send-off to members of the delegation from New South Wales. ... Saturday, August 21 joined the “Orion” at 10 a.m. reaching Melbourne at 10 p.m. following night. Spent Monday to Thursday in Melbourne and inspected the Melbourne coal burning, steam generating electricity undertaking which supplies two-thirds of Victoria’s electricity requirements. The plant produces 175,000 K.W. and is fed from, an open cast mine nearby. Additional units are now about to be installed, The open cast mine is handled mechanically, all dredges and shovels are power driven. No mining troubles here as there are no miners. Inspected State housing in Victoria, accompanied by quantity surveyors. Most homes are of* brick double cavity wall outside, brick inside and plastered, tiled roof, and a 1060 square foot dwelling, all costs in (excluding land) today is costing £I6OO to build. In 1938 the same house cost £750. All houses have 9’ stud min., with paling fence on three sides, with a respectable fence in front. Rents are fixed on the ■ basis of 6| per cent on all in costs, at period of building. Also visited Lincoln woollen mills and Melbourne Metropolitan sewerage farm, where liquid sewerage irrigates and fertilises an area of 25,000 acres, now capable of carrying a beast to the acre. Orion called at Adelaide. Had a full day there, and am -now on way to Fremantle reaching there on. Wednesday, September l.From Fremantle next port of call is Colombo, where Orion arrives on September 8. The New Zealand party of five are O.K. and seem welcome everywhere.