THE MALAY STATES

Hokitika Guardian, 4 October 1928, Page 5

THE MALAY STATES

EX-AUCNLAND SURVEYQR’S EXPERIENCE. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association,) AUCKLAND, October 2. “There are wonderful opportunities in the Federated Malay States, but I would not advise anyone to go out there alone in the hope of making a fartune. The wealth of the States is controlled by companies, and a person on his own would have ljttle chance.” This is the advice y of Air R. Goulding, Superintendent of Surveys for the Federated -Malay States Surveys Departihent, who arrived from Sydney by the Ulimaroa. Mr Goulding is a member of ti well-known Auckland family. He left Auckland 21 years ago, and has risen high in the survey service.

“ Conditions have improved out of all knowledge during those 21 years,” Mr Goulding stated. “People have an exaggerated idea of the difficulties of living in the Malay States. For my part, and for the part of most Europeans who are making their careers out there, it is most comfortable. For the first time since 1907 our survey staff is now full.”

The danger of malaria, he said, had now been greatly reduced with the advance of science, and there was cold storage practically everywhere. Mr Goulding could remember the time when there was no cold storage, and the food obtainable was confined to a very few dishes. “ During the years past 1 have had a number of New Zealanders undei me, and I have found that they adapt themselves quickly to the conditions and are good workers,” Mr Goulding proceeded. “When I was at dchore there were six New Zealanders besides myself in the service at the one time.”

Mr Goulding said the surveyors were always unmolested by the natives in their work. There were large areas of the Federated Malay States that were still unsurveyed, but good progress was being made. There were large untouched forest areas containing much valuable hardwood of untold value Mr Goulding mentioned that the Malay States Conservator of Forests (Mr Cubitt) would shortly be visiting the Dominion in connexion with the Empire Forestry Conference. “This part of the world offers wonderful possibilities,” he said. “ There have been set-backs lately owing to the unstable prices realised for rubber, | 3u t the States cannot help going ahead.”