AS OTHERS SEE US.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4487, 3 November 1922, Page 1

AS OTHERS SEE US.

AMERICAN CONSUL’S TRIBUTE. FINE, LOYALj PATRIOTIC PEOPLEThe Hon. David F. Wilber, who represented five New YPrk counties in Congress from 1895 to 1899, has for many years held various posts in the American consular service, latterly as Consul-General in New Zealand. When he. returned recently to America for a brief visit, he was interviewed several times in regard to the Dominion. In one of these interviews, Mr Wilber pays a high tribute to the New Zealand people, “New Zealand dpes not belong to Australia, as many people here assume,” he told the people of New York. “It has its bwn GovernorGeneral, appointed by the Crown, and two houses of Parliament. The present Governor,-General is Lord ■ commanded the British Fleet in the North Sea so successfully during the recent war. He is one of the finest men it has been my good fortune to meet in all my experiences. He is truly a prince among men.

“ The men sent by New Zealand ’.o the front during the war made a record second tp none. I have been greatly pleased,, during by present visit to the United States, to 'hear from many of our American boys who were with them in France, words, of the highest commendation regarding them and their valour on the field, and of their companionable'qualities and excellent conduct when off duty.” The Consul-General also told his people that New Zealand was 1 noted for its primary products, mutton, lamb, beef, butter, and cheese. Its soil was second to none. The United States would do well to look to New Zealand for its needs in these essential Commodities. A SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE. “New Zealand,” he, said, “is a sportsman’s paradise, with its rainbow trout and its salt-water salmon, which latter are now running up its rivers frpm the s’ea, some weighing at 401bs being caught with rod and line. There are also excellent varieties of sea-fishing, the king fish weighing, from 501bs, to lOOlbs. and over. One weighing 1501bs. was caught with rod and line. There is also excellent hunting, red deer, bp.ar, pheasants, and quail abounding.” He spoke, top, of the scenic resorts — Rotorua, Taupo, and Whnganui.

NEW ZEALANDERS TOO MODEST. “ The only trouble with the New Zealand people,” h« added, “is that they are top modest —having failed to make known tp tlhe world the attractions’ for tourists and” sportsmen which their country possesses. They are a fine type, loyal and patriotic, intelligent to a high degree, and most hospitable. I have never, in my somewhat extended experience in the consular service, received a more cordial welcome than has been extended by the people of New Zealand. The Government, officials and the pepple with whom I have been associated are extending to me everj’ possible courtesy, rendering my stay there most delightful, I can promise all Americans who visit that country a most enjoyable trip, and. a fine time during their sojourn there.” Mr Wilbur exhibited in his home town, Oneonta, New York, photographs that, said one interviewer, bore out all the assertions he maderelative to the attractiveness of New Zealand.