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Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1928, Page 2

Some discussion has been raised whether there is a definite type of individual New Zealander. Positive and negative opinions have been advanced, which suggests that at least the subject is worth probing. M r Coates, the other day, referred to the virility of the rising generation, and it is a fact that in all branches of athletics. New Zealanders in proportion to their numbers bold no mean position. Miss Maude Royden. lately from London, who is a close student of human nature, believes she can distinguish a distinct type of people in the Dominion. Miss Royden must know Great Britain well, and having travelled afield, she is of course competent to judge. Taking tlio Empire first of all. there are those who ag.ee that we differ materially from the Canadian and Australian ; qnd of course there are those who

can distinguish the New Zealander from tho visitor or emigrant from Great Britain. But as we are sprung from the latter stock, there must be a good deal of similarity and there is. But climate and environment are factors which go to make national characteristics, and that is evidenced by the difference in type as between the Australian and the New Zealander. There are physical differences easily recognised. We have not an extreme climate, and our geographical situation suggests isolation, and to some extent peculiar characteristics must be developed accordingly. Miss Royden was much struck by New Zealand women, in whom she recognised a large share of domestic ability and public spiritodness-. At the same time it has been considered that the remote situation of New Zealand is apt to produce narrowness of outlook and complacency. Vo do not know that these characteristics arc at all prominent. Rather do we think tho reverse, for New Zealand has been progressive invariably, and for a season was supposed to lend the world in many social matters. The people are complacent perhaps in tho faith they have in their own country and their belief in it to pull through, adverse though the times are on occasion. But there is not the spirit of pessimism. Still, we cannot lie too optimistic. about tho future of our country, for the settlement and development of this outpost needs courage and grit. Those characteristics were typical of the early pioneers, from whom we inherited a great impetus to succeed. It is said we lack confidence in ourselves in the higher things of life. Vo often go abroad for expert advice, or we neglect local art and literature. This may be modesty, but there is room for more self assertiveness. In discussing this subject an exchange remarked that Dr Burroughs, in Ins sermon at Bristol Cathedral just after bis return from Now Zealand, said that the one thing that impressed liim was tllie greater friendliness of our people, ami lie only wished that he could impart, some of this spirit into the rather rigid social system of Great Britain. We shall develop a distinct nationality in time, and present indications are that it will he largely English in character, hut without the aloofness and frigidity that seem inseparable from much of English and social life.