A CHARMINGLAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1924, Page 1

A CHARMINGLAND.

A VISITOR’S IMPii.iiSSi.OXS. AUCKLAND, April Id First impressions oi New Zealand were gained during the war by Dr 11. H. Haite, C.M.C., of Philadelphia, who in returning Home by the AkiKura. He was then in charge of a military hospital in. England. "i formed a pretty good impression of New Zealand at that time by studying its soldiers in war conditions,” said Dr Harte. ‘‘They were cleanlimbed, upstanding men whose independent bearing offered a tremendous contrast to many of the soldiers one saw in those days. Their character and conduct were admirable. Naturally 1 looked forward with lively anticipation to seeing their country. I have enjoyed every moment of my wonderful trip, and am sorry to leave by the Makura. There has been no disappointment at all throughout my tour of both Islands. On the contrary, there was endless surprise with a growing impression that this small country, with a papulation of about half that of Philadelphia, has achieved wonders in less than a century. There seems to be some talk about the need of political leaders in New Zealand, and there is also some complaint about conditions. ] know nothing of the economic circumstances, hut if one should judge on general appearances the country'is exceptionally well conditioned, and it is necessary to travel in the world to find anything better than the social life in New Zealand. The general standard of prosperity ii impressive. The hardest work is being done in the country districts. There is no doubt of that. The difference between the exact eight hours’ work in the cities and the long laborious day in the country is most marked, and one cannot help but notice bow much harder the women work in New Zealand than our women in similar circumstances do in life United Stales. Too many of them are prematurely old and show the effects of the drudgery. It is a question that deserves consideration.

"You are going to see many American visitors in Now Zealand within the next five years. Americans are great travellers, and they are tired of visiting the Old World. There is a

. wide field of fascinating interest in these virile lands of the South Pacific. Already there has been talk of organising a special holiday cruise lvom the United Stales to New Zealand and Australia. Two years ago Dr Martin, one of our delegates to the Auckland Medical Conference and secretary to the American College of Surgeons, arranged for a cruise by 300 of its members to South America. There is no reason •why a similar trip should not be made to New Zealand aiul Australia. ft would ho of great advantage to all concerned. In the meantime we 'Till leave New Zealand with regret, but with happy memories of a charming country.”