A CANDID CRITIC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 449, 28 January 1909, Page 2

A CANDID CRITIC.

Count Mornerj Consul General for Sweden, wbo is returning to that country, in the course of an interview at Perth this week, candidly criticised Australia. He expressed surprise that so little importance, was attached to Australia to winning the Nobel science prize by professor Rutherford, a New Zealander. Australians did not appear to realise that this was the first time anyone outside Europe had gained the distinction. Canada and America, with all their clever men, had not secured the prize. He was afraid the Australians thought more of sport, and paid more attention to a boxing man like Johnson. Asked if Australia was likely to get many immigrants from Sweden, he said he did not think so. He would do his best to prevent it. Many of the statements circulated to induce immigrants to come there were unfair. He could not see how a man without money could hope to succeed on the land in Australia. So far as the Count’s remarks in regard to sport is concerned, he is not far out. The late Premier called attention to the same thing as did our Chief Justice some time since. Sport is getting too tight a grip on the young fellows of Australasia, to the detriment of mental faculties. As for Swedish immigrants, although they are a very estimable class of settlers, the Count need have no fear that the several Governments will get down on their waistcoat buttons in order to draw them to these shores. Those, however, who have made this land their adopted home, have done remarkably well, and have been richly rewarded for their industry.