ZIONIST MOVEMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 23, 27 January 1934, Page 13

ZIONIST MOVEMENT

PROGRESS OF PALESTINE

Dr.' Benzion Shein,' M.D., who is visiting Wellington in connection with the Wofld Zionist organisation, gave "The Post" today some particulars of practical achievements of the Zionist movement in Palestine during recent years. Competent observers, he said, admitted that the work already carried out had been highly satisfactory, especially since 1920 when the British Government undertook the administratien under mandate. Since that time about £50,000,000 had been invested in the country, and about 200,000 Jewish immigrants had settled there. Palestine was particularly suitable for the cultivation of citrus fruits, and during the past few years great progress had been made in connection with that industry; It is estimated that the export of oranges for the current season will amount to 6,000,000 cases. A small orchard ,-of about 7% acres is sufficient to provide for the needs, of an ordinary family. Dr.. Shein said that imp.ortaiit work had been. done in the clearing of_ swamps, which formerly were infested with malarial mosquitoes. Another achievement was; the electrification of the- country by means of water-power obtained from the Jordan and Jarmtik Rivers. There was a prospect of the develofirrießt of an important chemical industry in'connection with the Dead Sea, which contained large quantities of bromides, sulphides, etc. Eeference was made by the visitor to the growth" of the cities of Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, and Tiberius. It was the hope of the Jewish people that as a, ; result of the / combined efforts of the Jeyrs and. the British people Palestine Would become once more.a productive"and;.-■ prosperous; landi eaid Dr. "Sh'ein.-'-'^ "' '■ ..'" '"'''" ■' ' ',' .■" -'-;