AUSTRALIA

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1926, Page 2

AUSTRALIA

TRIBUTE BY LORD BURNHAM.

MUST HAVE POPULATION

[Australia it N.Z. Cable Association ] LONDON, February 8. One of the finest and most comprehensive tributes paid Australia was made by Lord Burnham in his address to the lloyal Colonial Institute under the heading “ Australia As I Saw It.” l.ord Burnham admitted, at the outset, that it was impossible in eleven weeks to see thoroughly, much less understand, the continent. Australians were rightfully indignant when a summary judgment was passed by short-term tourists, which was rather like an attempt to

write the history of America after half an four’s talk with a negro porter in a Chicago hotel. For some reason or other, Australia always unduly depreciated viie opinion of the world, chiefly because it had not learned the Ameiienu art of advertisement. Aery few other than the Australian-horn realised how good Australia is. It was not merely “good enough ” as the Australians often say, hut Australia was the finest country he had ever seen lot size, climate and immunity from most of t’ t . ills to which humanity i' heir. From the point of view of geology. Australia may be the oldest of continents. but in everything else she was extraordinarily young. Her only tradition was that of youth, which she had only for a century. Australia was bound in another century to be one ol

the great powers of the world.- Soma say that they could distinguish between the speech of the people of the various States. To the stranger, however, the difference was not distinguishable. Physically, Australia was developing a type bigger than the English. Lord Burnham said he never witnessed a better display of manly length and strength than the An-xac Divisions. Undoubtedly tlie “Cornstalks” were justifying their name. The length of limb was more notifiable among the busbnien than in the cities. The people there rejoice in splendid health. Though the convictions for drunkenness had increased, there was no evidence of excessive drinking, Australia was one of the biggest tea-drinking nations in tlie world. Eleven o’clock ten was a fixed national habit. LnOiiestioun lily a high living people they like substantial, plentiful meals. They are great meat, butter aiul iruit eateis. They insist on prime quality and plenty ,f it. To parody all the Chartist doggerel he found, everywhere, “ eight hours sleep, eight hours play, eight

botirs. work and eight meals a- day. •pile -landards of morality were no lower ihan in England and the decenics of life were rigidly insisted upon. Ii y,as often said that gambling was :he principal vice of the Australian, but the numbers of people attending the cnees "’as no test of gambling. Australia leads the way in facilities for pleasure. The race courses wore better laid out than any in England, providing greatest happiness for the greatest number. The clergy often attended the races and prominent people were associated with the management of tlie race meetings. The cricket grounds were sensible planned. Personally, said Lord Burnham, he did not want to see livelier football than that provided under the Australian game rules in .Melbourne. He saw Australians eut.ing sugar cane in Queensland, and it seemed the most exacting and roast exhausting work lie had ever scon a white undertake. AYhen they meant business the Australians were tremendous fellows. Lord Burnham concluded: “Only by fostering her secondary industries can Australia carry up her population, life is not a feathered somnolence ; it is brisk, hearty and joyful; full of adventures, diversities and opportunities. It is a happy country, with a superb climate, immense re--erves of virginal wealth, and is unrivalled ill tlie virility told vitality ot its people.” Sir Joseph Cook said that he had never heard of a paper on Australia which he liked more. Lord Burnham lad demonstrated, even in things which lie had criticised mildly that Australians were British through and through. The (ist of production might he higher; iut one must remember the difference s overhead charges. The Australians rambled; but that was because they were British and it did not prevent their working peole owning and having the largest individual bank accounts in the world. It was true the price of sugar was higher than the world price;

but, as the cane cutters got two pounds a day, the price was not excessive for the best sugar in the world, and the keeping of their own kith and kin in the tropics—men, who, when the time came, would lie of infinitely better service to the security of Australia than the hlackfellow ever could be. Sir Joseph Cook said, regarding migration, Australia could fill up quickly if it wanted to. There were nations all over Europe anxious to go, and who did not ask Australia to do anything for the migrants once they got got there. Air AA’eigall said that he always asked critics. " Do you realise what Australia has accomplished in a hundred years? That the Australians are absolutely supreme in tbe provision of the world’s high class wool; while, in addition to the material things acquired they possess an appreciation of art. music. literature, and science?” Those who have hated humbug and hypocrisy would like Australia.