An Opinion on New Zealand.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 72, 24 August 1885, Page 4

An Opinion on New Zealand.

A correspondent, who signs himself tl Viator,"" writes to the London Ulobe as follows : — "The public are much indebted, to you for opening yout columns to the discussion of New Zealand as a field for emigration..! In a tour round the world last year I visited New Zealand— both the North and South Islands. I tear willing testimony to its heal thf nil climatefar superior to that of England; to the kindness and cordiality with which I was received ; to its wonderful progress during the last thirty years, and th» happy home it his afforded to thousands oi my countrymen; to its beautiful towns, especially Auckland and Dunedin ; and, lastly, to the industry, hard work, and patience of those who have converted the Maori wastes into fruitful fields and fine lands. During my excursions m the islands I gained m nch valuable information on the subject of emigration. As regards gentlemen's sons intending farming, I think the prospect not encouraging, Land, that is good laud, is frightfully dear, the hest scarcely to be had for money ; laboui i-, most expensive, 6s per day, servants scarce, and house rent and clothing double what it is at home. In my rambles m Dunedin I came across several small-sized houses to let, rent £40 and £50 per year; snch houses could be had m England to any amount for £25. A competence may be made by gentlemen's sons m farming 1 if they are ready to submit to hard work and hard living ; as t-» fortunes m this or any trade m New Zealand, the day for this lias long gone by Marriageable women are m great demand, servants ditto, next m order come farm labourers and artisans. The scale of their wa^e* appears at Hist sight huge, but I would rather prefer 8s at home to 6s m New Zealand were I a labourer. Small capitalists come next ; their enemies are land sharks and wet seasons,, such a* the two last have been. The curses of New Zealand •; are drink and horse jacing ; I saw mnch of both. j*jand swindles and syndicates are rampant, official jobbery is not. a small matter, and the huge loans, now ot yearly occurrence, filter through a host of hands, with tint n<ual result*. What is wanted is :t home Government agent m New Zealand, independent and well paid, who should faithfullyreport the state of the labour market, and -prevent- -periodical congwstion and untruthful statements."