AMERICA LOOKS A LAND OF PLENTY TO THE VISITOR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 50, 7 February 1949, Page 5

AMERICA LOOKS A LAND OF PLENTY TO THE VISITOR

A New Zealander In That Country “A few weeks in the United States of America soon reveals to the visitor that this is a land of plenty. Everywhere goods are plentiful, there is no rationing, no controls, no price fixing, and plenty of everything. Competition is the chief price fixer, and an abundant supply of goods fully protects the consumer,” said Mr W. Sullivan. M.P., giving his impressions of his tour. “To the visitor clothing prices appear to be reasonable, but food and hotel accommodation are costly to the average New Zealander. When one looks to prices, one must of course look to pay and incomes, wjhich seem to be comparable with the general price structure. There seems to be some price cutting going on, a sure sign that stocks are high, and holders wish to quit. “The American manufacturer and business man chases output and seems to get it. It has been said that this great country has 7 per cent of the world’s population, and 67 per cent of the world’s production potential. Marshall Aid “Marshall aid today is almost world wide. Goods flow to many countries. U.S.A. is doing a great job in helping restore Europe, a great job too in assisting Great Britain. Much of this will never be recovered, and is genuinely viewed as this country’s contribution to world restoration. “The elections are past, and all now seem to be satisfied. President Truman’s victory is regarded as a great personal triumph. From reports he worked hard, sold his policy to the public, and came through with a clean victory in Congress, the Senate and Presidential. 1 Mr Truman had apparently little press support. He made his own passage; now everyone wishes him well in the January Inauguration. “Socialists in Britain, and possibly in other countries, claim President Truman’s victory as an endorsement of their plan and philosophy. This is where they have it wrong. The United States wants neither socialism nor communism. “The Americans and their President are great free enterprisers, they believe firmly in the competitive system, and the right of private ownership. Responsible citizens guard very jealously their rights as citizens, and object very definitely to any unnecessary intrusion by the State.

“In the States there is widespread concern at the world situation. is deep rooted objection to Communism. Senators and Congressmen alike talk it, and America wants none of it. Opinion is strong in support of Western Union, and of Atlantic Union. In fact I believe the States will do all possible to help bring together the peace-loving people of the world, in one solid block, to avert any future conflict, and will prepare for defence if need be. , Housing “While in Washington I had an opportunity of inspecting housing there. For the type of home that is peculiar to New Zealand there was little to learn. The housing electrical equipment leaves us ages behind. Cooking and labour-saving devices exist everywhere. It is a press button age. Toasters operate electrically controlled so that when the toast is done, out jumps the toast. Doughnut making machines that mix the dough, cook it in the circulation process, and then hand it on a plate—this pleases the housewife very much. Dish-washing machines are available everywhere. Likewise deepfreezers, and a score of other attractive labour-saving machines. “Motor cars that make a New Zealander envious are seen everywhere. Recent models are equipped with every conceivable gadget, such as press the button to lower and raise side glasses. The net-work of air services that span this country is amazing, space, comfort and attention is fine, nothing appears to be an effort to anyone. “With a population of 145 million people, with only 40 people per square mile of territory, America, it can be said, is a country only in its infancy. Strong in production, healthy in outlook, and now determined to play her full part in world affairs. “The one great satisfaction is to know that this country can, with confidence, walk beside the Great Commonwealth of Nations, and all right-thinking citizens want to see Ihis friendship further developed as time goes on.

“The Hon. W. Black who accompanied me on this trip will no doubt

agree that we found Americans delightful, hospitable, progressive people, with outlook, understanding and instincts akin to our own, with a love of fair play and clean going." »