CONDITIONS IN AUSTRALIA

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1929, Page 7

CONDITIONS IN AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALANDER’S IMPRESSIONS A general feeling of optimism in Queensland, where the Moore Government is in power, but of dissatisfaction at the control of the Bruce (Federa') Government, is reported by Mr L. W. Nelson, of Whangarei, who returned from Australia to Auckland. “They expect better times in Queensland from the change of Government,” he said, “but it looks like the end df-the Bruce Government. There is general dissatisfaction, and, economically, things seem to be in a bad way.” Mr Nelson went to Australia for the National Show at Brisbane, which was attended on the opening day by over 100,000 people.. He formed the opinion that the increasing popularity of the motor vehicle, besides reducing the number of horses used, is responsible for a decline in quality. Although in the cattle sections the show was stronger than two years ago, when he was a judge, the quality of the horses exhibited, was poorer. “The motor is doing it, he said. “The horses in oar New Zealand shows are much better. Of course, over there the horses exhibited at the shows are trained in trick work, especially high jumping and for that reason the horse section are so popular. Big prizes are offered in these sections, which are so attractive that professional troupes tour the country with herds off horses, making their living by their appearances at shows.”.

The recent drought ill Australia was described by Mr Nelson as most harrowing. Even in the Hunter River district, in New South Wales, one of the most fertile regions in the country artificial feed was being used. There had been a sufficient rainfall in Victoria, however to give the settlers confidence of a good wheat crop. Progress was being made in dealing with pests in Australia, MrjNelson said. A natural enemy—a grub—of the prickly pear bad been found, with the result that excellent headway was being made in wiping out this pest. Despite the boycott, potatoes, said Mr Nelson, were selling at £22 a ton. A well-known feminist aroused housewives and started propaganda, resulting in the boycott, but prices remain at over £2O a ton. “ The price is too high,” Mr Nelson said. “ Even at the best hotels there seems to be a l'mit on potatoes—just as if they were being rationed.”