The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, SEPT, 28, 1933. THE OLD COUNTRY.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, SEPT, 28, 1933. THE OLD COUNTRY.

Despite the complaints about the difficult times wJncii have been current oiver an extended period, many New Zealanders have found opportunity and occasion to go abroad, and on their return give the press something of their impressions. These travellers mostly visit Britain in their tours, but pass also through-other countries. They are able to make some comparisons with respect to the visible conditions which come to their notice, and invariably praise Britain for the stand tile country has in the esteem of the nations generally. Britain has forged through the great difficulties which were encountered, and the standing with other nations is being well demonstrated. In the financial world, for instance, Britain seems to be the banking repository of the nations. The stability of the country generally, and the national security marked in the loyalty and goodwill of the people, has attracted the attention and confidence of foreigners generally, and it is known that huge sums of money from foreign investors are now lodged for safe keeping and security in British banks or securities. This is a very practical way of appreciating the sound condition of the. Old Country. The neighbouring nations of Europe are large financial customers of Britain, but it is apparent ,also, that in America there is a very pronounced pro-British feeling engendered, and the international feelings are altogether friendly and quite reciprocal. Here is an instance, and a case in point to demonstrate the very prevalent opinion: Dr Albert Shaw, editor of the Review of Reviews, of America, who visited London during the Economic Conference, writes:—“Americans who had expected to find Englishmen using the word “depression’ have been .agreeably disappointed. It is the British habit to take things as'they come, and to let nothing interfere with their mai n object which is, simply stated, the enjoyment of life. Britain’s gieatost resource will be found to lie in its appeal to sentiment, and in the rewards which it offers to intelligent visitors from all countries, especially to those who may come from the United States and from the British Dominions. The future of travel and intercourse between America and Euvaoe is destined to he far greater than in the past. The Continental countries will not lose their share or profitable travel business. But the British Isles especially may do well to prepare for a steadily increasin'! stream of visitors. These guests will' not only find education and pleasure in historic survivals and in the scenes of town and country life, but they will also imbibe something of that spirit of cheerfulness in the face of vicissitudes that the British purple exhibit, be-ond those of ar.v oUier country.” This is a very fine tribute, and coming from the source indicated, will find wide publicity. The members of the New Zealand delegation, lately returned from the abortive London fV’fcrencc, ,-re also telling the people in the centres their impressions of Britain to-dav, and in every instance the praise for the manner m which Britain has surmounted the difficulties, the cheerfulness with which the fu ore ir. faced, is verv pronounced. The confidence in Britain shown V foreign visitors was very marked, while D’e loyalty of the people was undoubted. The various patriotic spectacles staged

for the visitors, ami the fervour displayed hy the masses, showed how settled were the convictions of the people. Sane Government and wise leadership ensured peace and goodwill among the people. It was this sanity at a time ■when so many countries in the world were favouring revolutions, that betokened the good sense and contentment of the people, and the will to live tinder wise and ordered direction.