New Zealand for Retired Man

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 110, 26 May 1937, Page 7

New Zealand for Retired Man

J. E.

MELLING.

Sir, — 1 was greatly interested in a letter that appeate.d in your columnc yeeterday and in which your correspondent asks, What has New Zealand got to offer a man on his retirement, un comparison with England?" I am not a New Zealander or an Englishman. I am an . Anglo-Indiaa. Born of English parents in India, my early yqars wexe spent much in travel. I have lived for ' ten years in New Zealand, more than ten years in England and for a etill greater period in the East. My answer to your corrCspondent 's -question will therefore be impartial. fWithout hesitation, 1 would say to the man about to xetire: t Go to England. England has far more.to offet, at less cost. The advantages offered by England so outweigh those offered by New Zealand as to make New Zealand 's ciaims negligible. A comparison between the ciaims of the two countries opens up such a wide field of survey that, to be brief, one, must keep to a few eesential points such as climate, cost of living, pleasant seenery, social life. Climate: Both countries can offer pleasant spots that alford maximum sunshine and a mild winter. Cost of living: In England the cost of establishing a comfortable home and seeuring sundry necessary accessories such as motor-car, piano, radio, etc., would be comparatively small and the upkeep and cost of living reasonabie. In New Zealand, tho establishme.nt of a similar home, plus accessories, would make a devastating inroad into the retired man's capital and the upkeep and extorticmate demands made by the excessive cost of living would eomplete his discomfort. Fleasant seenery: I have beheld the

majeaty of the Himalayas; I have w>itnessed scenio wonders in many paris of the world; but ihe memory of one experience that eclipsed everything I ever "witnessed remains with me to-day j it was when, as a youth of eeventeen, I travelled by xail fx'om Liverpool to London in the early summer and had my firat glimpse of the English countryside. I was held spellbound. Che vivi.d green of the meadows, the well-kept fields bordered by neatlytrimmed upedgerows, and, studded with picturesque ' farms; the stately xuanqrs and eountlees chuteh spires and towers emerging from a backgrouud of beautiful woods and placid, tree-lined rivers. The enchanting country lanes and wellkept highways Hnking the villages, towns and eities en route.

The whole landscape presented a xicture so appealing, so uplifting, -so intimate and so satisfying. It spoke of larmony, comfort, security, contentnent an'd peaee. Even the Himalayas and all the other wonderful sights 1 xad been privileged to oeo were ob' jcured 'neath the spell of this ch&rim mg, undulating' landscape of the English Countrys'ide. I have never seen inything in New Zealand to compare svithv it. The scenic wonders of New Zealand are extolled b*y many, but how Lnaccessible they are. One has to cover wide traets- of dreary, uniuspiring country to reach them. England 's beauty is seen every where, not ia isoiatod patches. Is there^ anything more enchanting fhan a ramble down the ehady lanes, actoss the peaceful meadows, through the woods and along the xuvertoanlis of the English country* side? Such a ramble in New Zealand would be marred by ^ dusty roads covered with loose shxngle, endless covered with Ioobo shingle, endless trees and hedges and hideoua f&rm buildings. Social life: The immens# advantages of social life in England are «o Obvdous that they need not be emphasis&d. The lover of music, art,, literature, science, nature and eport has within easy reach and at small cost facilities for indulging his tastes to the utmost; whereas we in New Zealand lxve da comparative ignorance and isolation. In conclusion, 1 would refiommend to your correspondent oue of those charming ■ eeasi.de towns on the south coast within close range of LondoU, such as Bournemouth, Eastbourne Or Hastings.— Youts, etc.,

Pakowhai;, May 25, 1937.